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Valle del Cauca radar attacked by drones
A drone attack targeted a critical Aeronáutica Civil radar system in the El Carmelo district of Candelaria, Valle del Cauca, on the morning of September 16, 2026. The attack, which involved multiple explosions, struck the protective radome of the 3D radar system, which had been operational since July 2025.
Authorities reported that the attack caused no injuries or fatalities. Despite the damage to the infrastructure, the Aeronáutica Civil confirmed that the radar and operations at the nearby Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport continue to function normally. Contingency protocols were activated to ensure the continuity of air navigation services in southwestern Colombia.
In response, the Governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, and the Mayor of Candelaria, Géssica Vallejo, announced a reward of up to 50 million pesos for information leading to the identification of those responsible. Preliminary intelligence suggests the possible involvement of the Estado Mayor Central, specifically the Jaime Martínez or Adán Izquierdo fronts. Security has been reinforced in the area with deployments from the National Police, the Army, and the Colombian Air Force, and authorities are considering the acquisition of anti-drone systems to prevent future incidents.
Entities
Aeronáutica Civil · Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport · Candelaria · Dilian Francisca Toro · 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
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Aeronáutica Civil activated contingency protocols to maintain air navigation services in southwestern Colombia. diariodelnorte.net · mioriente.com · www.eje21.com.co · elnorte.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 14 SOURCES] A radar system infrastructure was attacked in the El Carmelo district of Candelaria, Valle del Cauca. diariodelnorte.net · mioriente.com · www.cablenoticias.com · www.hsbnoticias.com · laopinion.co · +8 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Between three and four explosions were reported at the site. www.cablenoticias.com · laopinion.co · mioriente.com · elnorte.com.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] The radar is located approximately 16 kilometers from the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport. www.cablenoticias.com · elnorte.com.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] The affected 3D radar system began operations in July 2025. www.cablenoticias.com · elnorte.com.co
- [● 9 SOURCES] The attack resulted in no injuries or fatalities. diariodelnorte.net · www.cablenoticias.com · laopinion.co · mioriente.com · www.hsbnoticias.com · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The attack was carried out using drones, potentially loaded with explosives. www.cablenoticias.com · mioriente.com · www.hsbnoticias.com · elnorte.com.co
- [● 7 SOURCES] A reward of up to 50 million pesos was announced for information leading to the identification of those responsible. tubarco.news · eltabloide.com.co · ciudadregion.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · +2 more