# ELN drone attacks in Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eln-drone-attacks-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-09-09T08:57:55.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) launched a drone attack on the El Trapiche Military Canton in Ocaña, located in the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander, Colombia. The assault reportedly involved a swarm of at least 20 explosive-laden drones, resulting in the deaths of at least three soldiers, including Captain Marco David Pirajón Montezuma and professional soldiers Joel Alberto Jiménez Jaramillo and Jhon Marrugo Manjarrez. Several other military personnel were injured.

The attack caused damage to the military facility and a Colombian Aerospace Force helicopter. The ELN also reportedly targeted a police station in Guamalito. In response, President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the actions and vowed to use the full force of the state against the guerrilla group, announcing plans to work with the Ministry of Defense to redesign the security strategy for the Catatumbo region to combat guerrilla and drug trafficking activities.

To bolster surveillance and intelligence capabilities following the attack, the Colombian government is seeking assistance from the United States. The U.S. is expected to lend Colombia three MQ-9A Reaper drones, with plans for Colombia to purchase a fourth. These advanced aircraft, which are capable of carrying weaponry and rockets, will be used by the Colombian military for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions aimed at targeting ELN leadership and organizational structures.

## Claims

- The National Liberation Army (ELN) is responsible for the attack. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- At least three soldiers were killed in the attack. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The attack targeted the El Trapiche Military Canton in Ocaña. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Four soldiers were injured during the attack. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The attack caused damage to a Colombian Aerospace Force helicopter. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The President plans to redesign the security strategy for the Catatumbo region. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The attack involved at least 20 drones equipped with explosives. (single source)
- President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed to use the full weight of state violence against the ELN. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Colombia to receive US drones following deadly ELN attack

Following a deadly ELN drone attack in Ocana that killed three soldiers, Colombia will receive MQ-9A Reaper drones from the US to enhance military intelligence and reconnaissance operations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-to-receive-us-drones-following-deadly-eln-attack

### 2026-09-06: Colombia and Black Sea see separate drone attacks

Three Colombian soldiers died in an ELN drone attack in Catatumbo, while the Greek-managed tanker ‘Siren’ was struck by drones in the Black Sea.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-and-black-sea-see-separate-drone-attacks

### 2026-09-05: ELN drone attack on Ocaña military base kills three soldiers

At least three Colombian soldiers were killed and several others injured in an ELN drone attack on the El Trapiche Military Canton in Ocaña. President De la Espriella vowed a harder military response.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eln-drone-attack-kills-soldiers-at-colombian-military-post

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Cite as: ELN drone attacks in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eln-drone-attacks-in-colombia