Colombian government reports three killed in rebel attack on military post

By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP and The Associated Press. Published On 5 Sep 20265 Sep 2026.

Key points

• According to authorities, drones dropped explosives onto the compound in the department of Norte de Santander before fighting took place within the facility.
• Two soldiers were killed in the clashes, along with a third who died after receiving medical attention.
• Deadly attacks by armed groups have continued to rattle the country since his inauguration.
• De la Espriella has additionally promised closer ties with the United States.

According to Colombian authorities have, at least three soldiers have been killed and a number of more injured after an attack on a military compound by an armed group that included drones applied to drop explosives.

For context, the Colombian army remarked on Saturday that the attack had been carried out by the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) the night before in the municipality of Ocana. It is in the area bordering Venezuela. Two soldiers were killed in the clashes, along with a third who died after receiving medical attention. Four were injured.

"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, " President Abelardo de la Espriella remarked in an official note on social media condemning the attack.

According to authorities, drones dropped explosives onto the compound in the department of Norte de Santander before fighting took place within the facility. The news service AFP documented that at least 20 drones loaded with explosives were utilised in the attack, citing an unnamed security official.

De la Espriella won office pledging to return Colombia to militarised confrontation with armed groups and criminal organisations that have jostled for influence nationwide, despite reservations that it could lead to surging violence and feasible rights abuses.

For context, the attack on Friday took place in the northeastern Catatumbo region, where the ELN is based and where the administration has carried out military raids against armed groups.

De la Espriella has additionally promised closer ties with the United States. It has sought to expand its military involvement in the region under the so-called "Shield of the Americas" initiative.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due to meet with de la Espriella, a former lawyer who previously represented leaders of paramilitaries, in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla next week.

In short, colombian government reports three killed in rebel attack on military post is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.