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Aeronáutica Civil radar attacked by drones in Valle del Cauca
A radar system used for air traffic surveillance and control was targeted by a drone attack in the El Carmelo district of Candelaria, Valle del Cauca, on the morning of Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The attack, which reportedly involved drones potentially carrying explosives, caused several detonations and damaged the protective sphere of the radar infrastructure.
The affected facility is a modern 3D radar system that began operations in July 2025 and is located approximately 16 kilometers from the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport. While the attack caused material damage, authorities reported no injuries or fatalities. In response, the Aeronáutica Civil activated contingency protocols to ensure the continuity of air navigation services in southwestern Colombia.
Local authorities, including the Mayor of Candelaria, Gessica Vallejo, have convened security councils and announced a reward of up to 50 million pesos for information leading to the identification of those responsible. As a precaution, more than 1,400 students from nearby educational institutions were evacuated. The Colombian Army, National Police, and Air Force have cordoned off the area and are conducting technical inspections and aerial reconnaissance to investigate the incident.
Entities
Aeronáutica Civil · Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport · Candelaria · Gessica Vallejo · Valle del Cauca
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Drone attacks in rural Colombia increased by 146 percent between January and May 2026. laopinion.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Aeronáutica Civil activated contingency protocols to maintain air navigation services in southwestern Colombia. diariodelnorte.net · mioriente.com · ciudadregion.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] A radar system infrastructure was attacked in the El Carmelo district of Candelaria, Valle del Cauca. diariodelnorte.net · mioriente.com · www.cablenoticias.com · ciudadregion.com · extra.com.co · +5 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Between three and four explosions were reported at the site. www.cablenoticias.com · laopinion.co · mioriente.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The radar is located approximately 16 kilometers from the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport. www.cablenoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The affected 3D radar system began operations in July 2025. www.cablenoticias.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The attack resulted in no injuries or fatalities. diariodelnorte.net · www.cablenoticias.com · laopinion.co · mioriente.com · ciudadregion.com · +2 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The attack was carried out using drones, potentially loaded with explosives. www.cablenoticias.com · mioriente.com · ciudadregion.com · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A reward of up to 50 million pesos was announced for information leading to the identification of those responsible. tubarco.news