Drone Attack in Colombia Kills Boy, Injures Five

A devastating drone attack in Tibú, Colombia, has claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy and left five others injured, including three minors. The explosive-laden drone struck a peasant family in the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander department on Friday, June 19, 2026, according to the Institute for Peace and Development Studies (Indepaz).

Leonardo González, director of Indepaz, reported that preliminary information suggests the drone targeted the family. The injured child succumbed to severe wounds, compounding the tragedy. This incident underscores the grave dangers civilians face amidst ongoing armed confrontations in the region.

While authorities have not yet issued an official statement, local media reports indicate the attack occurred during a confrontation between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a dissident faction of the FARC. These groups are reportedly vying for territorial control in Catatumbo, a conflict zone.

The use of explosive drones has become alarmingly common in Colombia's protracted armed conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has noted the devastating impact on civilians, with nearly a thousand people injured by such devices in 2025 alone. The ICRC also highlights that families in conflict zones are often forced into confinement, limiting their access to essential services like water and food.