An attack involving explosives dropped from drones followed by a clash inside a military compound in northeastern Colombia killed at least three soldiers and wounded four, Colombia's army said Saturday.
Local authorities blamed the attack, which took place late Friday, on the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN). The strike targeted a military unit in the municipality of Ocaña, in the Norte de Santander department, which borders Venezuela.
Two soldiers died at the scene and a third after receiving medical attention, according to Colombia's military. The Defense Ministry identified the casualties as one captain and two soldiers.
According to the French news agency AFP, approximately 20 drones equipped with explosives were used in the attack. The military facility targeted was the Cantón Militar El Trapiche.
Defense Minister Jorge Mora visited the affected area on Saturday to assess the damage.
President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the attack and attributed responsibility to the ELN. "For every police officer or soldier murdered, we will bring the full weight and legitimate force of the State down upon the criminals," Espriella said. He announced plans for large-scale operations against the organization.
The ELN, an armed group active since 1964, maintains a significant presence in the Catatumbo region, which spans parts of the Norte de Santander and Cesar departments. The group also harbors dissident factions of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Espriella took office on August 7 and has adopted a hardline stance against armed groups, with support from the United States. He is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio the following week.