BREAKING: Two Colombian soldiers were severely injured after being doused with gasoline and set on fire during a violent attack on an anti-drug operation in southeastern Colombia. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the northern Putumayo department, near the Ecuador border, as military forces aimed to dismantle a cocaine laboratory.
According to military officials, a mob of civilians launched an aggressive assault on the soldiers, attempting to thwart the operation. A statement from the army described how a “group of civilians attacked the uniformed officers with fire to impede the procedure.” The injured soldiers, an officer and a soldier, are currently receiving treatment for severe burns in a local hospital.
This alarming incident highlights a disturbing trend in Colombia, where attacks on security forces in remote, guerrilla-controlled regions are becoming increasingly common. The country is facing its worst security crisis in a decade, driven by powerful criminal organizations exploiting drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining.
The Colombian military has vowed to take action against the Comandos de Frontera, a dissident faction that rejected the 2016 peace deal with the FARC guerrilla group. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attackers on social media, asserting, “They are neither peasants nor communities claiming their rights. They are criminals and narcos who attempted to murder our soldiers.” Sanchez shared video footage of one of the injured soldiers being transported by helicopter for emergency medical care.
The Comandos de Frontera, which operates across both Colombia and Ecuador, is currently in peace negotiations with the government led by President Gustavo Petro, although these discussions have seen little progress. In February, Colombian prosecutors arrested the group’s leader, Andres Rojas, also known as “Arana,” during talks with government representatives. He is facing multiple charges related to cocaine shipments to the United States and is under extradition requests.
In a separate but related incident, Ecuadoran authorities accused the Comandos de Frontera of killing 11 soldiers in May during an assault on illegal mining operations. The violence has escalated, with the Colombian military also reporting injuries to a military dog in July after guerrilla fighters detonated a bomb during an operation.
As Colombia grapples with rising violence and security challenges, the international community is closely watching the ongoing conflict. The U.S. has designated the National Liberation Army (ELN) as a foreign terrorist organization. Peace talks with the ELN have been stalled since January, following a series of violent attacks attributed to the group.
This latest attack on Colombian soldiers underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address the escalating violence and instability in the region. Authorities confirm that the situation remains tense, and further military operations are likely as the army seeks to restore order and combat the rampant drug trade.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
