Guerrilla drone attack kills three soldiers in Colombia

A guerilla drone attack on a Colombian military garrison killed three soldiers, the defense ministry said Saturday.

Authorities earlier reported at least two dead and five wounded in the attack, which was blamed on National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels.

The attack took place Friday in the Catatumbo region, where troops are conducting operations against armed groups on the orders of right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella.

A military source in the region told AFP that at least 20 drones loaded with explosives were used.

"To the ELN I say with absolute clarity: for every police officer or soldier you kill, I will bring down on you the full weight and legitimate force of the State," he said on X.

Defense Minister Jorge Mora toured the affected area on Saturday.

Military and police forces "remain deployed to protect the population, bolster security, maintain the offensive against ELN units and locate those responsible for these attacks," the ministry added.

Colombia is the world's largest cocaine producer and is grappling with its worst violence in a decade.

Since taking office less than one month ago, De la Espriella has stepped up bombings and ground operations against armed groups.

Colombia also has joined the Shield of the Americas, US President Donald Trump's anti-cartel alliance of Latin American countries including Argentina, Ecuador and El Salvador.

De la Espriella is set to receive US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla next week.