Colombian officials have blamed the National Liberation Army (ELN) for a drone attack in northeastern Colombia that killed three soldiers and wounded four others.
ELN guerrillas allegedly dropped explosives from drones on a military compound in Ocaña, near the Venezuelan border, before engaging troops in an armed clash.
Two soldiers died at the scene, while a third died after receiving medical treatment. A Colombian Air Force aircraft was also damaged by shrapnel.
Responding to the attack, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed to use the full force of the state against the ELN for every police officer or soldier killed.
“We will pursue you, find you, and fight you relentlessly. You will regret every Colombian you murder,” he said.
Colombia vs. the ELN
The drone attack followed a series of deadly incidents in northeastern Colombia, where armed groups are fighting for control of territory and smuggling routes near the Venezuelan border.
In August, an explosion outside a police station in Cúcuta injured 11 officers and killed a police dog. Officials also blamed that attack on the ELN.
More recently, a car bomb outside another police station in the region killed one civilian and wounded 11 others.
