Story perspectives

President condemns ELN drone attack that killed five soldiers

9/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the drone attack that killed three soldiers in Ocaña.
ELN launched at least 20 explosives-laden drones against the Ocaña compound Friday night.
Five soldiers were killed, including Capt. Marco David Pirajón Montezuma, Joel Jiménez Jaramillo and Jhon Marrugo Manjarrez.
Four additional soldiers were wounded in the ensuing clash.
President de la Espriella vowed to bring the full weight of the State against the ELN.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, the National Liberation Army (ELN) executed Colombia’s inaugural drone strike, deploying two explosives-laden UAVs against an Ocaña military outpost, killing one soldier. The Colombian Defense Ministry later reported that the 2019 attack involved 20 drones, prompting a $150 million allocation for counter-UAV technology program. Today, President Abelardo de la Espriella condemns an ELN attack that unleashed at least 20 drones on Ocaña, killing three soldiers including Capt. Marco Pirajón. The administration now accelerates procurement of anti-drone systems and urges the United Nations to adopt regional UAV regulations, aiming to curb guerrilla aerial warfare.

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Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the drone attack that killed three soldiers in Ocaña.
ELN launched at least 20 explosives-laden drones against the Ocaña compound Friday night.
Five soldiers were killed, including Capt. Marco David Pirajón Montezuma, Joel Jiménez Jaramillo and Jhon Marrugo Manjarrez.
Four additional soldiers were wounded in the ensuing clash.
President de la Espriella vowed to bring the full weight of the State against the ELN.

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