At least three Colombian soldiers were killed and four wounded after explosives were dropped from drones and a violent clash occurred inside a military compound in Ocaña, Norte de Santander department, near the Venezuelan border on the night of September 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Two soldiers died at the scene, and a third died later while receiving medical care [1, 2, 3].
Local authorities and the Colombian military blamed the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) for the attack [1, 2, 3]. The ELN is a long-running armed group active since 1964, primarily based in the Catatumbo region, which includes parts of Norte de Santander and Cesar departments bordering Venezuela [1, 3]. The ELN reportedly harbors dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) that rejected a peace agreement about a decade ago [1, 3].
The strategic Catatumbo region, a major coca-producing area, is contested by multiple armed groups [1, 3]. Officials said about 20 explosive-laden drones were used in the attack, according to an unnamed security source, signaling a new level of sophistication in rebel tactics [2].
President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the assault, vowing that "for every police officer or soldier murdered, we will bring the full weight and legitimate force of the State down upon the criminals" [1, 2, 3]. He addressed the ELN directly, stating, "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" [2].
This attack followed recent violence in the region. In August, an explosion outside a police station in Cúcuta injured 11 officers and killed a police dog; officials also blamed the ELN for that incident [1, 3].
A meeting is scheduled for the second week of September in Barranquilla between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President de la Espriella, aimed at addressing security cooperation amid escalating violence [2].
