Three Colombian soldiers killed in explosive drone attack on military garrison
Three soldiers were killed in a drone attack on a military garrison in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, with authorities blaming ELN rebels and a military source saying at least 20 explosive-laden drones were used
Three soldiers died after armed attackers used guerilla drones to target a Colombian military garrison in the Catatumbo region on Friday, the defence ministry said on Saturday.
Authorities had initially reported at least two deaths and five people wounded before revising the toll. The attack was blamed on National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels.
A military source in the region told AFP that at least 20 drones carrying explosives were deployed in the assault.
Government vows tougher response
The attack came as troops carried out operations against armed groups in the region on the orders of right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella.
Addressing the ELN on X, De la Espriella said, “To the ELN I say with absolute clarity: for every police officer or soldier you kill, I will bring down on you the full weight and legitimate force of the State.”
Defence Minister Jorge Mora visited the affected area on Saturday as security forces continued operations.
Military and police forces “remain deployed to protect the population, bolster security, maintain the offensive against ELN units and locate those responsible for these attacks,” the ministry said.
Colombia faces worsening violence
The attack comes as Colombia, the world’s largest cocaine producer, grapples with its worst violence in a decade.
Since taking office less than one month ago, De la Espriella has intensified bombing campaigns and ground operations against armed groups.
Colombia has also joined the Shield of the Americas, US President Donald Trump’s anti-cartel alliance that includes Argentina, Ecuador and El Salvador.
De la Espriella is due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla next week.