Colombian Soldier Killed, Three Injured in Antioquia Landmine Attack

A Colombian soldier, Jhoan Camilo Sanabria Mendoza, died and three others were wounded in a landmine explosion in the northwestern department of Antioquia. The Ministry of Defense blamed the Clan del Golfo, the country's largest criminal organization, for the attack. The explosion occurred while troops from the 19th Rapid Deployment Battalion were conducting military operations in a rural area of the municipality of Briceño.

Initially, the military reported four soldiers injured, but later confirmed the death of Sanabria Mendoza. The identities of the wounded soldiers remain undisclosed. They were evacuated by air to Medellín for medical treatment. The Army condemned the act, and the Ministry of Defense vowed to pursue those responsible and ensure they face the full force of the law.

The northern region of Antioquia, including Briceño, is strategically important due to its connections to the Bajo Cauca region and the department of Córdoba. These areas are known for the presence of various armed groups and serve as corridors for drug trafficking and illegal mining. The region has seen ongoing disputes between the Clan del Golfo and FARC dissident groups over territorial control and illicit economies.