UPDATE: Two Colombian soldiers have sustained serious injuries after being set on fire during an anti-drug operation in southeastern Colombia, according to military officials. The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in the rural area of the Putumayo department, bordering Ecuador.
During a mission to dismantle a cocaine laboratory, a violent riot erupted as a group of civilians attacked the military personnel, dousing them with gasoline and igniting flames to thwart the operation. An officer and a soldier are currently receiving urgent medical treatment for severe burns at a local hospital.
The military reported that such attacks against security forces are increasingly common in Colombia’s remote areas, which are often under the control of guerrilla factions. This alarming trend is part of a broader security crisis gripping the nation, exacerbated by drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining activities.
In response to the attack, the Colombian Army has vowed to take decisive action against the Comandos de Frontera, a dissident faction known for rejecting the 2016 peace accord with the FARC guerrilla group. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the perpetrators via social media, stating, “They are neither peasants nor communities claiming their rights. They are criminals and narcos who attempted to murder our soldiers.”
The military’s commitment to restoring order comes as tensions escalate in the region. The Comandos de Frontera are currently engaged in peace negotiations with President Gustavo Petro‘s government, albeit with minimal progress. The group’s leader, Andres Rojas, also known as Arana, was arrested in February during talks with government representatives and faces extradition in connection with cocaine shipments to the United States.
The safety of military personnel continues to be a pressing concern. Earlier this year, the Colombian military suffered significant losses, including the deaths of 11 soldiers during a separate operation against illegal mining, attributed to the same group. Additionally, a military dog was injured in July from a bomb explosion linked to the ELN, a guerrilla faction responsible for numerous attacks.
As Colombia grapples with its worst security crisis in a decade, the urgency for effective action remains paramount. The military’s response to this recent attack on its personnel will be closely monitored in the coming days. Citizens and authorities alike are left to ponder the increasing violence and the impact on local communities caught in the crossfire of drug-related conflicts.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
