Colombian drug cartels employ Ukraine-learned drone tactics

Colombian drug trafficking organizations are adopting advanced warfare tactics, including the use of weaponized drones, in their ongoing conflicts. In Cajibío, a region in southwestern Colombia known as the world's largest cocaine producer, a drug cartel attacked a civilian residence in April using a drone, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 38 injuries.

These drones, often modified commercial models, are fitted with hand grenades or improvised mortar shells and are launched against adversaries. Authorities recently discovered a drone near an airport, rigged with explosives and guided by fiber-optic cables, highlighting the sophistication of these attacks.

The frequency of drone attacks by these organizations has surged significantly, targeting not only rival groups but also the military and police. In May, a drone attack killed one soldier and injured six others patrolling a coca cultivation area. Previous incidents include drone attacks near the border that killed three soldiers and targeted a military radar system.

Local reports indicate that since the beginning of 2023, these drone attacks have claimed the lives of 328 individuals, including both civilians and military personnel. This escalation in drone warfare is reportedly linked to lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine. Reports suggest that members of Colombian drug cartels have traveled to Ukraine, where they acquired advanced drone technology and operational expertise while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Upon their return to Colombia, they have shared this knowledge with other members of criminal organizations, facilitating the widespread adoption of these tactics.