3 Soldiers Dead in Colombia Drone Attack, ELN Blamed

A recent drone attack, followed by an intense clash inside a military compound in north-eastern Colombia, has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least three soldiers and left four others wounded. The incident, which occurred late on Friday, has been attributed by local authorities to the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN).

The attack specifically targeted a military unit located in the municipality of Ocaña, within the Norte de Santander department, a region that shares a border with Venezuela. Reports indicate that two soldiers lost their lives at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries after receiving medical attention.

Colombia's President, Abelardo de la Espriella, swiftly condemned the act, issuing a stern warning:

For every police officer or soldier murdered, we will bring the full weight and legitimate force of the state down upon the criminals.

The ELN, an armed group that has been active since 1964, has a strong presence in the Catatumbo region, which spans parts of Norte de Santander and Cesar departments. This strategic area, connecting to Venezuela's porous border, is also one of Colombia's main coca-producing zones.

The ELN is known to harbor dissident factions of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) who did not adhere to the peace agreement signed a decade ago.

Both groups are reportedly competing for control over this critical territory.

This recent aggression follows another violent incident in August, where an explosion outside a police station in Cucuta injured 11 police officers and tragically killed a police dog.

Officials have also linked that attack to the ELN, highlighting a worrying pattern of escalating violence in the region.

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