In a harrowing incident that underscores the perilous security situation in Colombia, three soldiers were killed, and four others injured during a drone attack in the southwestern region of the country. The deadly strike occurred as members of Colombia's navy and army were manning a checkpoint on the Naya River, a locale notorious for drug trafficking activities. Authorities have attributed the attack to a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) that opted out of a peace agreement signed in 2016, continuing its violent operations in the area.
The victims have been identified as Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada. The Colombian Army has paid tribute to the fallen soldiers as investigations proceed into the exact circumstances surrounding the attack. Officials report that the region, particularly around Buenaventura, serves as a vital transport route for cocaine and arms, significantly contributing to the financial power of illegal armed groups.
Drone warfare has escalated dramatically in Colombia in recent years; a staggering 115 drone attacks were recorded in 2024 alone, most of which were carried out by armed groups. In response to the rising threat, the Colombian government announced plans to enhance anti-drone technologies aimed at detecting and neutralizing these increasingly lethal devices.
The latest assault has been linked to a faction led by Iván Mordisco, a figure who withdrew from peace negotiations with the government in April 2024. His force has gained notoriety for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining operations. Experts warn that these targeted attacks on security forces reflect a deeper crisis of governance and law enforcement in areas plagued by the drug trade, with major implications for the safety of both military personnel and local communities involved in agriculture or resource extraction.
