Colombian Army Neutralizes 23 ELN Actions After Drone Attack; Clashes Injure Soldiers

Colombian security forces intensified operations against the ELN in the Chocó region following a significant drone attack. The Army reported neutralizing 23 "terrorist actions" by the group, including downing three explosive-laden drones used in an attack on Tadó on July 4. Propaganda materials, such as 17 flags and six banners, were also removed from public view.

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In development of military operations carried out by troops of the 15th Brigade, in the corregimiento of La Italia, municipality of San José del Palmar, Chocó, combat was sustained against members of the organized armed group Eln, managing to neutralize a drone used during the armed action.

Fighting escalated in San José del Palmar, where three soldiers sustained injuries. Reports also indicate two police officers were wounded in separate incidents. The military stated that mobility was restored on the Tadó-Pereira highway after a "tanker truck" used for obstruction and propaganda was removed, along with two explosive cylinders.

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Simultaneously, 23 terrorist and propaganda actions by this criminal group were neutralized, represented by 17 flags and six banners placed on the Medellín-Quibdó and Quibdó-Pereira roads.

Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba linked the surge in violence to the ELN's anniversary. She noted that Tadó had been targeted by three explosive devices on July 4, but fortunately, no civilians or security force members were harmed. The Army's Seventh Division stated that these actions demonstrate the ELN's repeated violations of human rights and international humanitarian law through intimidation tactics affecting civilians and troops.

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These actions demonstrate the repeated violation of Human Rights and the transgressions and infractions of International Humanitarian Law by this criminal group, which through acts of intimidation and affecting the civilian population, attacks the troops of the Colombian Army and generates fear and unease in the community of this department.