New Delhi, Dec. 17 -- The Colombian government's delegation in peace talks with the National Liberation Army on Monday condemned an "armed strike" - which confines civilians to their homes and restricts commercial activity - that the rebel group is conducting this week in response to the U.S. military's naval buildup in the Caribbean.

Colombia's delegation said in a statement that a decision by the Marxist guerrilla force, which has been active since the 1960s and is known by Spanish acronym ELN, to carry out an "armed strike" only impacts rural communities in Colombia.

"A protest against the actions of the U.S. government that is geared towards communities lacks any sense whatsoever" the government delegation said.

ELN's "armed strike...