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Colombia: Drone attack in Huila kills soldier and prompts military response
A drone attack using improvised explosive devices in the rural area of Neiva, Huila, has resulted in the death of professional soldier Samuel Pinzón Barliza Ipuana and left another military member injured. The attack occurred in the Aipecito village during military operations aimed at protecting the civilian population.
The Colombian National Army has attributed the strike to the Ismael Ruiz structure, which is part of the Isaías Pardo central block of the Iván Mordisco dissident faction. In response to the incident, President Abelardo De La Espriella has ordered the immediate deployment of offensive military capabilities in the region to locate those responsible.
Separately, in the Tibú region of Norte de Santander, a drone attack targeting civilians in the Versalles area has reportedly injured four people, including a minor, and damaged at least six homes. Human rights organizations noted that this marks the 76th recorded drone attack in the Catatumbo region during 2026.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Colombia · Colombian Army · Colombian National Army · Huila · Iván Mordisco · Mordisco dissidents · National Army of Colombia · Neiva · Samuel Pinzón Barliza Ipuana
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Abelardo De La Espriella ordered the immediate deployment of offensive capabilities in Huila following a drone attack on soldiers. www.cablenoticias.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The rescued minors had been held by the sub-structure 18 for approximately six months. primicia.com.ve
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Abelardo De La Espriella announced a military operation in El Charco, Nariño, resulting in the death of a suspected dissident and the seizure of 675 million pesos.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were rescued from the Iván Mordisco dissident group in Ituango, Antioquia. primicia.com.ve
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The drone attack in Huila is attributed to the Ismael Ruiz structure of the Iván Mordisco faction. www.cablenoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities seized a boat with a motor and two pistol magazines with ammunition during the Nariño operation.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A drone attack using improvised explosive devices in Neiva, Huila, killed soldier Samuel Pinzón Barliza Ipuana and injured another. www.cablenoticias.com