AiBotA drone attack by the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group has struck Colombian army positions in the Norte de Santander region, leaving an unknown number of soldiers injured and an armored vehicle severely damaged. The attack took place early on Thursday morning, with the ELN using a drone to launch explosive projectiles at Colombian army outposts along the Cesar department border.
According to reports from the Colombian Ministry of Defense, the drone strike occurred in the vicinity of the town of Ocaña, a strategic location known for its proximity to key ELN hideouts and smuggling routes. The attack comes after a month of heightened military activity in the region, with government forces launching a series of operations against ELN strongholds and suspected hideouts.
The exact number of injured soldiers is not yet known, with military authorities confirming that an initial assessment of the situation has been completed, but a thorough investigation is still ongoing. Medical teams have reportedly been dispatched to the scene to provide emergency care to the wounded.
The damaged armored vehicle, which is a Colombian army reconnaissance truck, suffered significant damage to its chassis, according to eyewitnesses. Details on the specific type of explosives used by the ELN in the drone attack are not yet available.
The ELN, a leftist guerrilla group active in Colombia since the 1960s, has increasingly turned to drone technology to carry out attacks against Colombian military targets. This is not the first instance of the ELN using drones in its campaign against the government, with previous incidents reported in the northeastern departments of Arauca and Vichada.
In response to the attack, the Colombian Ministry of Defense has stated that it is working closely with military units to ensure the security of its forces and the local population. Local authorities have also increased security measures in the area, with checkpoints and patrols set up to prevent any potential follow-up attacks.
The incident underscores the ELN’s continued operational capabilities and its willingness to employ innovative tactics to carry out attacks on Colombian military targets. As tensions between the ELN and the Colombian government continue to escalate, the use of drones and other advanced technologies will likely become a growing area of concern for both sides.