Colombia’s army said drones carrying explosives struck a base in Santa Rosa del Sur, Bolívar. Responsibility remained undetermined in Saturday’s accounts.
Three soldiers were killed when explosive-laden drones struck a Colombian army base in Santa Rosa del Sur on Saturday. The attack hit the installation around lunchtime in the southern part of Bolívar department, in northern Colombia. The Associated Press reported that at least 16 people were wounded, citing the army.
President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the attack and ordered security forces to intensify efforts to find those responsible. The army’s initial public account described the weapons and the target. Local and international reporting on Saturday left responsibility unconfirmed.
The attack hit a building used by troops
Colombian outlet La Silla Vacía reported that the explosives hit the troops’ dining area around midday. Initial local accounts differed on the total number of wounded as reports came in from the army and municipal officials. La Silla Vacía said the army reported later on Saturday that 16 people were receiving medical care.
The presidency published a statement from the army’s First Division identifying the base as the target and confirming that the aircraft carried explosives. Video described by the Associated Press showed smoke above the installation and troops seeking shelter.
Armed groups contest the surrounding area
Santa Rosa del Sur lies near the San Lucas mountain range in an area with gold mines. The Associated Press reported that the National Liberation Army, the Gulf Clan and smaller groups led by former FARC members have competed for control around the town.
The 2016 agreement with the FARC led to the demobilisation of thousands of fighters. Smaller armed groups continued to fight for control in some former FARC strongholds. The army’s account of the strike leaves open which group, if any, was responsible for Saturday’s attack.
Drone attacks have spread beyond the south-west
La Silla Vacía reported that armed groups’ use of commercial drones fitted with explosives became common in south-western Colombia and has spread into other regions. The strike on the Bolívar base shows that military installations farther north now face the same form of attack.
The government’s immediate response was to order a search for the attackers. A consolidated casualty count and any finding on who directed the strike will depend on the authorities’ follow-up.
Sources
Presidency of Colombia — government response and First Division statement
Associated Press — casualties and local conflict context
La Silla Vacía — local reporting on the strike and medical response
