Colombian Government Reports Three Soldiers Killed in Rebel Attack on Military Post

Three Colombian soldiers were killed after an armed group used drones to drop explosives on a military compound in the northeastern region of Catatumbo, authorities said. Four other soldiers were injured in the attack, which took place in Ocaña, near the Venezuelan border.

The Colombian army said the National Liberation Army, or ELN, carried out the assault on Friday night. Two soldiers died during the fighting, while a third died after receiving medical attention. Authorities said the attack began when drones dropped explosives onto the compound, followed by clashes inside the facility.

AFP, citing an unnamed security official, reported that at least 20 drones loaded with explosives were used. The attack occurred in Norte de Santander, an area where the ELN is based and where government forces have conducted military raids against armed groups.

President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the attack in a statement on social media. “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,” he said.

De la Espriella won office after pledging to return Colombia to a militarised confrontation with armed groups and criminal organisations competing for influence across the country. His approach has raised concerns that violence could surge and that rights abuses could follow. Deadly attacks have continued since his inauguration.

The president has also promised closer ties with the United States. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due to meet him in Barranquilla next week as Washington seeks to expand its military involvement in the region through the “Shield of the Americas” initiative.

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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.