Three Colombian soldiers were killed when drones attacked an army base in northern Colombia on Saturday, Nov. 7, according to the Colombian military, as reported by The Associated Press and Al Jazeera. No group has claimed responsibility, and authorities have not named a suspect.
Key Highlights
- The army says three soldiers were killed in the attack on a base in Santa Rosa del Sur.
- The army initially reported eight wounded; AP later reported at least 16. Local reports gave a higher figure, but the final toll remains unconfirmed.
- Officials have not said who carried out the attack.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed that those responsible “will have nowhere to hide.”
What Is Known About the Attack
The attack hit a military base in Santa Rosa del Sur, a small town in the foothills of the San Lucas mountain range, AP reported. Footage shared on social media showed smoke over the base after three explosions, with soldiers sheltering behind sandbags.
The Rio Times, citing Colombia’s Army First Division, reported that explosive-laden drones struck the Cantón Militar in the southern part of Bolívar department. It said the number of drones and the exact time of the strike were not confirmed.
The identities of the dead and the extent of the damage were not available in the reports reviewed.
Why the Wounded Count Varies
The army’s initial Saturday statement reported eight wounded. AP later reported at least 16 injured, reflecting a subsequent update as more information became available. Local Colombian reports cited figures as high as 35, but the final total has not been independently confirmed.
The Rio Times reported that local accounts were far higher, including a figure of 35 from the town’s mayor, Milton Olaya. It said the army had not confirmed those numbers and that a military source called all counts preliminary.
The gap is unexplained in the reports reviewed. Readers should treat every wounded figure other than the three deaths as provisional.
Who Was Behind It?
Authorities have not said who carried out the attack, according to AP. The Rio Times reported that some outlets pointed to the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, but said the government has made no official attribution.
The area is rich in gold mines and has long been contested by the Gulf Clan, the ELN and smaller groups led by former FARC members, AP reported. Those groups are named as regional actors, not as suspects in this attack.
What Officials Said
De la Espriella wrote on X, “Those who were behind this attack … will have nowhere to hide,” and added, “Every attack against our soldiers strengthens our resolve to defend Colombia,” according to AP.
The First Division called the strike “a serious violation of international humanitarian law and of human rights,” the Rio Times reported. It asked the public to report information through the anti-terrorism hotline, Line 107.
Security Policy and Recent Violence
De la Espriella took office in August and has canceled peace talks with remaining rebel groups, AP reported. His approach includes more airstrikes, a stronger troop presence in some cities and joint task forces guarding assets such as a pipeline from the Caribbean coast to central Colombia.
The government argues that armed groups used earlier ceasefires to tighten their grip on rural areas, where they tax businesses and profit from the drug trade, according to AP.
Last week, a military base in Tolima province was hit by missiles made from gas canisters, and four civilians were killed, AP reported. Police in Cúcuta have also been attacked several times with remotely detonated bombs.
The conflict research group ACLED counted 34 bomb or explosive attacks by state forces and armed groups in the four weeks to Oct. 16, a 9% rise over last year’s average for that period, according to Al Jazeera.
What to Watch Next
Key questions are the final wounded count, whether any group claims the attack or officials name suspects, and how the government responds. For another conflict where military action and diplomacy are running side by side, see our report on Ukraine missile strikes and US-brokered peace talks.
Watch: Coverage of the Attack
Video: “Ataque con drones a cantón militar en Santa Rosa, Bolívar, deja 3 muertos y 35 heridos” (YouTube, in Spanish).