Rebels Attack Airport with Explosive Drones in Colombia

Three people were injured after Colombian rebels launched an explosive drone attack on an airport in the country's northeast, the military said.

The Colombian army blamed the attack on the National Liberation Army (ELN), which has a strong presence in the Catatumbo region along the border with Venezuela. The blast injured three airport employees and caused damage to airport infrastructure.

Videos circulating on social media showed the roof of an airport office completely destroyed by the explosion.

Armed groups in Colombia have increasingly used explosive-laden drones to target security forces and civilian infrastructure.

The attack comes as the ELN and dissident factions of the former FARC rebel group continue to battle for control of illegal coca-growing areas in the Catatumbo region, a key source of cocaine production.

The conflict has killed more than 100 people and displaced tens of thousands since the beginning of 2025, while kidnappings and extortion remain major sources of funding for illegal armed groups.

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has given criminal groups one month to surrender and has threatened to launch large-scale bombing campaigns against powerful drug cartels after taking office on 7 August.