In a heartbreaking incident, three members of the Colombian army were killed in a drone attack near the Naya River in south-west Colombia. The explosive-laden drones targeted a checkpoint manned by the army and navy, resulting in injuries to four other security personnel. The attack has been linked to dissident factions of the Farc rebel group, known for their refusal to honor a 2016 peace accord.
In the first half of 2024, Colombia has witnessed a surge in drone attacks, with 115 recorded incidents attributed mainly to illicit armed groups. Following this alarming trend, Colombian government officials announced a plan to enhance anti-drone technology to better identify and neutralize these threats. The recent attack occurred in the vicinity of Buenaventura, a city notorious for drug trafficking activities.
The three soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice have been named as Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada. Authorities believe the assault was orchestrated by a group led by a dissident known as Iván Mordisco, who has distanced himself from peace negotiations with the government. These rebel factions are also involved in various criminal enterprises, including extortion, illegal mining, and cocaine distribution, stressing the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in the region.
The series of targeted attacks on Colombian military forces has become increasingly alarming, with 27 reported fatalities in just two weeks, raising concerns about safety and security in the nation.
