Colombian Soldiers Targeted in Deadly Drone Assault by Rebel Group

This incident increases concerns over the security forces' vulnerability and the rising use of drone technology by illegal armed groups in the region.

In a harrowing incident in south-west Colombia, three soldiers lost their lives during a drone attack attributed to a dissident rebel faction. The explosive-laden drones targeted members of the Colombian navy and army stationed at a checkpoint along the Naya River, resulting in injuries to four additional security personnel.

Recent years have witnessed a surge in drone warfare in Colombia, with 115 recorded attacks in 2024 alone, predominantly executed by armed illegal groups. In response to this alarming trend, the Colombian government has announced a strategic initiative to enhance its anti-drone capabilities, aiming to improve detection and mitigation technologies.

The attack occurred near Buenaventura, a coastal city notorious for its drug trafficking activities. Army officials identified the victims as Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada. The region, rife with violence from factions that emerged from the Farc rebel group—who declined to sign the 2016 peace agreement—serves as a vital route for cocaine transport, instrumental for these illegal organizations.

Military sources confirmed that the drone assault was orchestrated by a group under Iván Mordisco, a figure who exited peace negotiations with the government in April 2024. Under his command, dissident factions have engaged in various criminal operations, including extortion, illegal mining, and drug trafficking.

This latest attack is part of a grim trend, underscoring the continued danger faced by Colombian security forces, as recent reports indicate a staggering 27 fatalities resulting from targeted actions by armed groups within a two-week timeframe.