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ELN drone attacks in Colombia

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2026-09-07 07:32 UTC → 2026-09-09 13:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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