Huila faces surge in explosive drone attacks by FARC dissidents

The department of Huila, Colombia, has experienced eight drone attacks using explosives over the last two months, targeting various municipalities including Teruel, Neiva, La Plata, Aipe, and Palermo. These incursions have resulted in the death of one soldier, injuries to several members of the security forces, and damage to police facilities and civilian property.

Authorities attribute the offensive to the Ismael Ruiz and Hernando González Acosta fronts of the Bloque Central Isaías Pardo, which are part of the FARC dissidents led by alias ‘Iván Mordisco’. The Defensoría del Pueblo has warned of the territorial expansion of these groups, noting that the attacks have caused significant fear among local communities and necessitated measures such as curfews and the relocation of educational institutions due to safety risks.

The escalation of violence, particularly in the northern region of the department, poses a direct challenge to the security promises of the administration of President Abelardo De La Espriella.