Colombian Army Struck by Deadly Drone Attack as Violence Escalates

Mon Sep 29 2025 03:29:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Three soldiers tragically lost their lives in a drone strike attributed to a dissident rebel group in Colombia, heightening concerns over escalating violence in the region.

In a devastating incident in south-west Colombia, a drone attack resulted in the deaths of three soldiers, identified as Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada. The attack, which targeted a military and naval checkpoint on the Naya River, has been linked to an offshoot of the Farc rebel group. Four more members of the security forces sustained injuries during the incident. Drone warfare has become increasingly prevalent in Colombia, with 115 attacks recorded in 2024 alone, predominantly attributed to illegal armed groups.

In an effort to counteract this trend, the Colombian government announced a new strategy aimed at enhancing its anti-drone capabilities to better detect and neutralize aerial threats. The Naya River region, notorious for drug trafficking, has become a battleground as various criminal organizations vie for control. The attack is reportedly orchestrated by a faction led by Iván Mordisco, who rejected peace negotiations with the government earlier in 2024. Military officials note that these groups are deeply involved in criminal enterprises, including extortion, illegal mining, and cocaine production, leading to a surge in violence against security forces.

As Colombia grapples with a rise in these targeted assaults, recent weeks have seen security forces endure significant casualties, fuelling fears of a deteriorating security landscape.