A deadly attack on a Colombian army base Thursday has left at least four soldiers dead and seven injured, highlighting escalating violence amid a nationwide armed strike called by the National Liberation Army (ELN).[[3]] The incident, which involved the use of explosive devices, occurs as the ELN continues too challenge the government of President Gustavo Petro and jeopardizes ongoing peace negotiations.[[1]] The attack on the military Base 27 in Aguachica, Cesar department, represents a significant escalation in tensions.
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At least four Colombian soldiers were killed and seven others injured Thursday in an attack on an army base in the northern part of the country, according to the Second Division of the Army. The attack underscores ongoing instability in the region amid a nationwide armed strike.
The incident occurred at the Military Base 27, which is part of the Number 14 Infantry Battalion, in the municipality of Aguachica, Cesar department, according to an army statement posted on X.
Authorities say the attack involved explosive devices and has been attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department and the European Union.
The commander general of the Colombian Armed Forces, Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides, said in a post on his official X account that “the Camilo Torres Restrepo Front of the Organized Armed Group ELN is responsible for the cowardly terrorist attack carried out a few minutes ago against the Ricaurte Battalion.”
Injured soldiers were evacuated to regional medical centers, while army units are conducting operations to secure the area, the statement added.
The attack comes as the ELN has declared a nationwide “armed strike,” which has been accompanied by violent actions against infrastructure and public forces, increasing tensions with the government of President Gustavo Petro and deepening the crisis in the peace process his administration is pursuing.
Authorities indicated they will release additional information as the investigation progresses.
