Colombia: Rebels attack airport using drones

A rebel attack on an airport in northeastern Colombia on Thursday using explosive-laden drones injured three people, according to the military.

The military stated that the attack was carried out by the National Liberation Army (ELN), a rebel group with a strong presence in the Catatumbo region on the border with Venezuela, where violent clashes are ongoing among rebels.

In the border area with Venezuela, ELN rebels and defectors from the former rebel movement FARC are engaged in a fierce struggle for control of illegal coca plantations, which are the primary ingredient for cocaine, with Colombia being the world’s largest producer.

These clashes have resulted in more than 100 deaths and tens of thousands of displaced persons since the beginning of 2025.

Kidnappings and extortion are also prevalent in the region, serving as key funding sources for illegal groups.

Colombia’s president-elect, Abadardo de la Espriella, a far-right figure, has granted all criminals in the country a one-month deadline to surrender.

He has also threatened to launch large-scale bombing campaigns against powerful drug cartels starting from his inauguration on August 7.