Colombian Army soldiers injured in drone and explosive attacks

drone attacks explosive devices ELN Colombian Army Cesar department

The Colombian military is facing an escalation of violence involving advanced weaponry in the Cesar and Chocó departments. In Pelaya, Cesar, troops from the 10th Brigade were targeted by a launch system deploying over 40 explosive devices. This attack, which the Army describes as a terrorist action, resulted in several soldiers being injured with reserved prognoses. Authorities believe the incident is a retaliation for military operations against armed groups such as the ELN, Clan del Golfo, and FARC dissidents.

In a separate incident in Sipí, Chocó, the ELN utilized explosive-laden drones to attack troops from the 15th Brigade. This engagement left three soldiers injured and resulted in the death of a military canine named Rihana. The military has condemned the use of drones, noting a 146% increase in their use by armed groups, and labeled the tactic a violation of International Humanitarian Law.

In response to the violence in Cesar, President Abelardo De La Espriella convened an extraordinary security council in Valledupar to coordinate with military and police leadership. The government has ordered increased troop deployments and armored vehicle presence to regain territorial control and protect civilian populations.

Entities

Abelardo De La Espriella · Cesar · Chocó · ELN · Ejército Nacional · Ejército Nacional de Colombia · La Plata · Pelaya

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The military condemned the use of explosive-laden drones as a violation of International Humanitarian Law. qhubobucaramanga.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co
[DISPUTED] At least two professional soldiers were injured in the attack in Pelaya. diariodelnorte.net · dominicanaaldia.com · www.cablenoticias.com · www.eje21.com.co · laopinion.co
[● 5 SOURCES] Soldiers were attacked in Pelaya, Cesar, using a launch system with over 40 explosive devices. diariodelnorte.net · dominicanaaldia.com · www.cablenoticias.com · www.eje21.com.co · laopinion.co
[● 4 SOURCES] The attack is believed to be a retaliation for military operations against armed groups in Cesar. diariodelnorte.net · dominicanaaldia.com · www.eje21.com.co · laopinion.co
[● 4 SOURCES] President Abelardo De La Espriella convened a security council in Valledupar to address the situation. diariodelnorte.net · dominicanaaldia.com · seguimiento.co · laopinion.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] The use of drones by armed groups in Colombia has seen a 146% increase. larazon.co
[DISPUTED] Four soldiers were injured in an attack involving drones in Pelaya, Cesar. larazon.co
[● 2 SOURCES] An ELN drone attack in Sipí, Chocó, injured three soldiers and killed a military canine named Rihana. qhubobucaramanga.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co