A drone attack on a military base in northern Colombia killed three soldiers and injured at least eight, the Colombian army announced Saturday. The attack took place in Santa Rosa del Sur, a town located in the foothills of the San Lucas mountain range.
Authorities have not identified who was responsible for the attack. The region is known for its gold mines and is contested by the Gulf Clan, the National Liberation Army, and smaller factions linked to former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) members.
Social media footage depicted smoke rising from the base following three explosions, with soldiers seen taking cover in sandbag shelters. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that those responsible would be held accountable and that attacks against soldiers only strengthen the nation's resolve to defend itself.
Violence has escalated in several rural parts of Colombia since President de la Espriella took office in August. His administration has adopted a more confrontational stance, including increased airstrikes and the militarization of some cities, after cancelling peace talks with remaining rebel groups. This approach is partly a response to armed groups using previous ceasefires to consolidate their control over rural areas and profit from illicit activities.
This incident follows a pattern of increased attacks on Colombian armed forces. Last week, a military base in Tolima province was hit by missiles, resulting in four civilian casualties. In Cucuta, police have been targeted multiple times by remotely activated bombs.
While a 2016 peace deal with the FARC led to the demobilization of thousands of fighters, smaller groups continue to vie for territory previously held by the FARC guerrillas. According to ACLED, a conflict monitoring group, there was a 9% increase in bomb and explosive attacks by state forces and illegal armed groups in Colombia during the four weeks ending October 16, compared to the same period last year.