In a shocking development from south-west Colombia, three soldiers tragically lost their lives in a drone assault attributed to a dissident rebel faction. The attack occurred while the soldiers were stationed at a checkpoint on the Naya River, a region infamous for its drug trafficking activities. Alongside the fatalities, four additional members of the security forces sustained injuries.

Drone warfare has surged in Colombia, with 115 such attacks reported in 2024 alone, predominantly executed by illegal armed groups. The Colombian government is keen on enhancing its anti-drone measures to combat this alarming trend, aiming for better detection and neutralization capabilities against flying threats.

This heart-wrenching incident unfolded close to Buenaventura, a key coastal city linked to the lucrative cocaine trade. The deceased were identified as Wilmar Rivas, Andrés Estrada, and Dario Estrada, all revered members of the military. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by a faction led by Iván Mordisco, a notorious figure who abandoned peace negotiations with the government earlier this year. This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by Colombia in addressing violence linked to drug trade and organized crime.