Colombia to receive US drones following deadly ELN attack

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has vowed to intensify military operations against armed groups following a deadly drone swarm attack on the El Trapiche military post in Ocana. The assault, attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN), involved at least 20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) dropping explosives on barracks and a Colombian Air Force helicopter, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and injuring four others.

In response to the escalating violence, the Colombian government is seeking to bolster its surveillance and intelligence capabilities. The United States is expected to lend Colombia three MQ-9A Reaper drones, with plans for Colombia to purchase a fourth. These advanced aircraft, capable of carrying weaponry and rockets, will be utilized by the Colombian military for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions to target ELN leadership and organizational structures.