Explosive Drone Attacks Target Colombian Military and Civilians

In Popayán, Cauca, a drone carrying an explosive device struck a military helicopter stationed at the José Hilario López canton on 17 July. The bomb failed to detonate, preventing casualties and material damage. Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by dissident groups of the FARC and have increased security ahead of the presidential inauguration ceremony scheduled for 7 August.

In Briceño, Antioquia, the regional governor reported that a modified drone dropped an explosive in the Las Auras settlement, injuring a civilian and displacing about 30 farming families. Governor Andrés Julián Rendón said the drone, “delivered by the ‘Calarcá’ of the FARC, hurt a civilian and forced the displacement of 30 families.” He called on the national government to reinforce public security in the area. Both incidents illustrate a rising pattern of weaponized drone use by illegal armed groups in Colombia, heightening concerns for military installations and civilian populations alike.