UPDATE: Two Colombian soldiers have been seriously injured after being doused with gasoline and set on fire during an anti-drug operation in southeastern Colombia. The incident, which occurred in the rural area of the Putumayo Department—near the border with Ecuador—was confirmed by the Colombian Army on Wednesday.
The attack happened while soldiers were attempting to destroy a cocaine laboratory. A group of civilians violently retaliated, using fire to obstruct the military operation. An officer and a soldier sustained severe burns and are currently receiving medical treatment.
This chilling attack highlights the escalating violence against security forces in Colombia, particularly in remote areas controlled by guerrilla factions. Such incidents have become increasingly frequent as the country faces its worst security crisis in a decade, driven by powerful criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and extortion.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attackers, stating, “They are neither peasants nor communities claiming their rights. They are criminals and narcos who attempted to murder our soldiers.” Sanchez shared a video on social media showing one of the injured soldiers being airlifted to receive urgent care.
The Comandos de Frontera, a dissident faction that rejected the 2016 peace accord with the FARC, is suspected of orchestrating the attack. The military has vowed to take action against this group, which is currently involved in peace negotiations with President Gustavo Petro‘s government, albeit with little progress. In February, authorities arrested the group’s leader, known as Andres Rojas or “Arana,” who is facing extradition for drug trafficking charges.
Adding to the grim narrative, this faction has been blamed for various violent incidents, including the killing of 11 soldiers during an operation against illegal mining in May. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict with the ELN, another guerrilla group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Peace talks with the ELN stalled in January after they were implicated in numerous deadly raids.
Colombian authorities are now on high alert as violence continues to escalate in the region. The military and government officials are expected to respond decisively to restore order and protect their forces. As this situation develops, the international community watches closely, given the implications for regional security and drug trafficking dynamics.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
