A new episode of violence shook the Catatumbo region in northeastern Colombia when, on the night of Friday, September 4, 2026, an armed group launched explosives from drones against a military unit in the municipality of Ocaña, Norte de Santander department, near the border with Venezuela. The attack, attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN), left at least 3 soldiers dead and 4 injured, according to the Colombian Army via its X social media account.
According to the official report, two soldiers died at the scene, while a third died after receiving medical attention. The injured were transferred to local healthcare centers, where they are receiving specialized care. The attack involved launching explosives from drones against the military complex, followed by an armed confrontation inside the facilities, highlighting an escalation in the tactics of illegal armed groups.
Presidential Condemnation and Official Reaction
Colombia's president, Abelardo de la Espriella, strongly condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. In a message shared on social media, the president stated, 'We will not rest until we find those responsible for this cowardly attack,' and reiterated the government's commitment to security in the region. The Military Forces announced reinforced offensive operations in Catatumbo, one of the country's most conflict-ridden areas.
Context: The ELN and Territorial Dispute in Catatumbo
The ELN, founded in 1964, is Colombia's last active guerrilla group and maintains a strong presence in the Catatumbo region, which spans the Norte de Santander and Cesar departments. This area is strategic due to its porous border with Venezuela, which facilitates the transit of weapons, drugs, and people, and its coca production, the basis of drug trafficking. In recent years, the ELN has been engaged in a territorial dispute with FARC dissidents, leading to increased violence and forced displacement of civilians.
The drone attack is not an isolated incident. In August 2026, an explosion at a police station in Cúcuta, the capital of Norte de Santander, left 11 police officers injured and one police dog dead. Days earlier, a car bomb against another police station in the northeast killed one civilian and injured 11. These incidents reflect the capacity of armed groups to strike security targets in both urban and rural areas.
Impact and Outlook
Friday's attack represents a direct challenge to the Colombian state and its security policy, at a time when the government seeks to consolidate peace in the territories most affected by the conflict. The international community, through organizations like the UN, has expressed concern over the escalation of violence in Catatumbo and urged the parties to resume dialogue. Meanwhile, the Military Forces continue search operations in the area to find those responsible, amid a climate of tension that keeps the local population on edge.
The situation in Ocaña and its surroundings remains critical, and more details about the victims' identities and the circumstances of the attack are expected in the coming hours. The defense of human rights and the protection of civilians are priorities for the government, which faces the challenge of ensuring security in a region historically affected by armed conflict.