The Colombian military mourns the loss of three soldiers killed during a drone strike, with government officials blaming dissident rebel groups for increasing violence in the region
Three Colombian Soldiers Fatally Attacked by Drone Strike
Three Colombian Soldiers Fatally Attacked by Drone Strike
Dramatic rise in drone warfare in Colombia linked to dissident rebel factions
In a tragic turn of events, three soldiers were killed in a drone attack in southwestern Colombia, an incident that has been attributed to a dissident rebel group. The attack occurred near the Naya River while Colombian Navy and Army personnel were stationed at a checkpoint. Four other service members were injured during this assault.
Drone attacks have surged in prevalence in Colombia, with a staggering 115 incidents reported in just 2024. Many of these attacks have been linked to illegal armed groups operating within the nation. In response, Colombian authorities declared their intent to enhance anti-drone technologies to improve detection and response capabilities against such aerial assaults.
The recent attack unfolded close to the coastal city of Buenaventura, a known epicenter for drug trafficking activities. Colombian Army officials have identified the fallen soldiers: Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada. In the region, off-shoots of the FARC rebel group, which did not embrace the 2016 peace agreement, continue to exert considerable influence.
This particular incident has been linked to a group helmed by a figure known as Iván Mordisco, who withdrew from peace negotiations with the government in April 2024. The factions led by Mordisco remain deeply involved in various illicit activities including drug trafficking, extortion of farmers, and illegal mining.
The uptick in violence underscores a broader pattern within Colombia, where targeted assaults on security personnel have tragically resulted in numerous fatalities over the past weeks.
Drone attacks have surged in prevalence in Colombia, with a staggering 115 incidents reported in just 2024. Many of these attacks have been linked to illegal armed groups operating within the nation. In response, Colombian authorities declared their intent to enhance anti-drone technologies to improve detection and response capabilities against such aerial assaults.
The recent attack unfolded close to the coastal city of Buenaventura, a known epicenter for drug trafficking activities. Colombian Army officials have identified the fallen soldiers: Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada. In the region, off-shoots of the FARC rebel group, which did not embrace the 2016 peace agreement, continue to exert considerable influence.
This particular incident has been linked to a group helmed by a figure known as Iván Mordisco, who withdrew from peace negotiations with the government in April 2024. The factions led by Mordisco remain deeply involved in various illicit activities including drug trafficking, extortion of farmers, and illegal mining.
The uptick in violence underscores a broader pattern within Colombia, where targeted assaults on security personnel have tragically resulted in numerous fatalities over the past weeks.
