Bogotá (AFP) – An attack with drones loaded with explosives left three soldiers dead and 16 injured this Saturday at a military base in northern Colombia, the army reported.

First modification: 11/09/2026 - 13:41

Videos published in the media and on networks show an explosion and abundant smoke in a military installation in Bolívar, a conflictive area in which different armed groups dispute the income from illegal mining and drug trafficking.

"Attacking the public force through the use of explosive devices constitutes a serious violation of human rights," the army said in a statement.

The Ministry of Defense attributes the attack to the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla, which operates in the area.

Eight of the injured are in serious condition, according to the military force.

Videos on networks also show a dining room and bedrooms destroyed after the attack on the military complex and some uniformed personnel injured and transported in 4x4 vehicles.

Armed groups in Colombia regularly attack security forces and civilians with explosive drones.

President Abelardo de la Espriella said in

In his three months in power, the rightist carries out a war against the country's drug traffickers based on bombings and raids with the support of the United States.

The south of Bolívar is rich in gold deposits, historically controlled and disputed by illegal groups, who exploit workers and cause damage to the ecosystem.

© 2026 AFP

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