Colombia reports drone attack on military base, blames National Liberation Army

An explosives-laden drone attack struck a Colombian military base in Ocaña, in the Norte de Santander department near the Venezuelan border, the army said. The assault targeted the Trapiche Military Canton and was attributed to the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN.

The armed forces described the attack as “a cowardly action that flagrantly violates International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.” They said unmanned aircraft fitted with explosive devices were used against the military facilities, while the report also referred to rifles.

Authorities activated established security protocols and began checking the possible damage caused by the blasts. Preliminary reports said the attack took place at about 7:20 p.m. local time, when residents heard the first explosions.

Blu Radio reported that three soldiers had been taken to a hospital in the municipality with injuries. The armed forces had not yet issued an official report confirming the number of wounded. The explosions also affected a helicopter, while officials continued assessing the rest of the military infrastructure.

Several illegal armed groups operate in Norte de Santander, especially in the troubled Catatumbo region, including the ELN and the 33rd Front of FARC dissidents. The attack followed a recent car bombing in Los Patios involving a taxi loaded with 80 kilograms of ANFO. That blast killed one person and seriously injured several police officers, in an incident also reportedly attributed to the ELN.

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A cowardly action that flagrantly violates International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.