A deadly drone assault on Colombian security forces has resulted in the deaths of three soldiers, attributed to a dissident faction of the Farc rebel group. This incident highlights the growing trend of drone warfare in Colombia, raising concerns about security measures and the ongoing conflict driven largely by drug trafficking.
Drone Attack in Colombia Claims Lives of Three Soldiers Amid Rising Violence
Drone Attack in Colombia Claims Lives of Three Soldiers Amid Rising Violence
Increasing drone warfare tactics by dissident rebel groups unfold as three Colombian soldiers are killed in a recent explosive-laden drone attack.
In a tragic incident that underscores the escalating violence in Colombia, three soldiers were killed in a drone attack on the Naya River region, blamed on a dissident faction of the Farc rebel group. The assault, conducted using explosive-laden drones, targeted navy and army personnel stationed at a checkpoint and also left four other security forces injured.
This attack marks a continuation of a disturbing rise in drone warfare in Colombia, with authorities noting a significant increase in such incidents in recent years. In 2024 alone, there were 115 recorded drone attacks, primarily executed by illegal armed groups. In response to this wave of aggressions, the Colombian government has announced plans to enhance anti-drone technology to detect and counteract these threats effectively.
The attack occurred near Buenaventura, a strategic location along the Pacific coast that is notorious for its links to drug trafficking. The three soldiers, identified as Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada, were honored by military officials expressing their deep sorrow over the loss.
The region is known for its fertile grounds in the illicit drug trade, particularly cocaine, which fuels the economic activities of various armed groups. The dissident group responsible for the drone strike is believed to be under the leadership of a commander known as Iván Mordisco, who has been involved in criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking and extortion, since defying a peace agreement in 2016.
The incident raises alarm over the security of Colombian forces, who have faced targeted attacks that have resulted in at least 27 military fatalities in recent weeks. As drug gangs intensify their operations and adopt new technological tactics, the Colombian government faces the ongoing challenge of protecting its forces and civilians in an environment marked by extensive drug-related violence.
