Drone attack on Colombian airport injures three; army blames ELN

An explosive drone attack on an airport in Tibú, northeastern Colombia, injured three workers on Thursday, the army reported. The military attributed the assault to the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group, which maintains a strong presence in the Catatumbo region known for illicit crops.

The attack caused damage to the airport's infrastructure. Videos circulating on social media show a destroyed office ceiling. The Colombian army confirmed the injuries were caused by the blast wave and stated that troops, along with tanks, were deployed to Tibú.

This incident underscores the increasing reliance of armed groups in Colombia on drones equipped with explosives to target both security forces and civilians. The region, bordering Venezuela, is a contested zone where the ELN and dissident factions of the former FARC guerrilla group engage in violent struggles for control over illegal cultivation.

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who takes office on August 7, has vowed to launch massive bombings against drug trafficking organizations. He has also given criminal groups one month to surrender, promising a firm hand against violence and illegal activities that have plagued the area, including kidnappings and extortion.