Founded in 1964, the ELN is the oldest guerrilla group still active in the Americas. The group has taken control of Colombia's major drug-producing areas.
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At least seven soldiers were killed and 30 others injured in an attack by Colombia's ELN guerrilla group on a military base in the city of Aguachica, near the Venezuelan border, on Friday.
The ELN attacked on Friday using drones and explosives, the Colombian military said. The ELN, founded in 1964, is the oldest guerrilla group still active in the Americas. It has seized control of Colombia's main drug-producing areas. This is the second attack on security forces by the ELN in the past week. Two police officers were killed in the city of Cali on Tuesday.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded on social media, blaming the lack of advanced anti-drone systems.
He said he had ordered the purchase of urgently needed anti-drone systems to prevent such attacks by illegal armed groups. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for the LN to be completely dismantled.
Videos circulating on social media show wounded soldiers being taken to local health centers on stretchers and wheelchairs.
Since taking power in 2022, President Gustavo Petro has been trying to negotiate with armed groups involved in cocaine production. However, the negotiations have not been successful.
According to the United Nations, Colombia is the world's largest cocaine producer. The United States has accused Colombia of not taking enough action against drug cartels. It has also been pressing for action.
Last October, the United States imposed a travel ban on President Petro. Currently, the United States is taking action against suspected drug-laden boats coming from Venezuela through the Caribbean.
