Three killed in Colombian military post attack blamed on ELN rebels

Bogotá – Colombian security forces said on Monday that the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group was responsible for a coordinated assault on a military‑civilian compound in the department of Norte de Santander, an attack that reportedly involved unmanned aerial vehicles dropping explosive devices. The strike, which occurred late on Sunday night, triggered a series of explosions that damaged several structures, ignited fires and forced the evacuation of personnel stationed at the site.

The government’s intelligence agency presented video footage showing small drones releasing payloads over the compound, and officials confirmed that at least three soldiers and two civilians sustained injuries, though no fatalities were reported. The ELN, which has been engaged in intermittent peace talks with the administration, has previously used aerial tactics in isolated incidents, prompting authorities to increase surveillance and reinforce vulnerable installations. The incident underscores the fragile security situation in Colombia’s border regions and is expected to influence forthcoming negotiations between the state and the insurgent group.