Explosive-laden drones struck the Santa Rosa del Sur military compound in Colombia on 7 November. The army activated security procedures while injured personnel were taken to hospitals in neighbouring areas. Military sources suspected the ELN guerrilla organisation, but responsibility remained unconfirmed. President Abelardo De La Espriella condemned the attack and pledged support for affected soldiers and their families.
Explosive-laden drones struck a military compound in Santa Rosa del Sur, a municipality in Colombia’s Bolívar department, on 7 November. The army’s First Division confirmed the attack on the site housing the 48th Jungle Infantry Battalion. Security procedures were activated while soldiers worked to secure the perimeter and assess damage.[1], [2]
Ambulances and helicopters were mobilised to take injured soldiers to medical facilities. Hospitals in Barrancabermeja and Bucaramanga, two Colombian cities, received casualties; two soldiers were sent to Santander University Hospital. The army said personnel were receiving treatment at different centres. Early assessments of the injuries changed as the emergency response progressed.[1]
Military sources suspected the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian guerrilla organisation, but that assessment had not established responsibility. They described earlier army operations against the group in the region. President Abelardo De La Espriella condemned the attack, expressed solidarity with soldiers’ families and called for care for the injured. The army asked residents to share information to help prevent violence against civilians and security personnel.[1]
