Drone Attack Destroys Police Station in Southern Bolívar; Governor Denounces Violence Escalation

A drone attack loaded with explosives devastated the police station in Arenal del Sur, Bolívar, on the night of July 10. The assault left four police officers injured, with one in serious condition. Governor Yamil Arana of Bolívar province preliminarily blamed the National Liberation Army (ELN) for the attack, denouncing it as a grave escalation of violence. The mayor's office in Arenal condemned the act, stating it caused distress and anxiety among the civilian population.

This incident marks another violent episode in southern Bolívar, a region where local authorities have repeatedly warned about worsening security conditions and the presence of armed groups. The attack occurred just months after a similar event on March 29, when explosive devices launched from drones hit the police station and nearby homes, causing significant material damage and injuring at least one civilian. At that time, authorities also preliminarily attributed that attack to the ELN's José Solano Sepúlveda Front.

Governor Arana took to social media to report the complete destruction of the police infrastructure. "This night, the Arenal del Sur Police Station was the target of a drone attack, allegedly by the ELN. They completely destroyed it," he wrote. While Arana initially reported three injured officers, a subsequent statement from the Arenal mayor's office updated the toll to four wounded, which is the current confirmed figure pending an official police report.

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This night, the Arenal del Sur Police Station was the target of a drone attack, allegedly by the ELN. They completely destroyed it.