The Colombian government has launched a state strategic fund worth one trillion pesos, the equivalent of around 221 million euros, to equip security forces with technology that can detect and neutralize armed drones. It responded to the bomb attack in Aguachica, Cesar, in which six soldiers died and about 30 were injured. This new budget allocation will support a national program focused on further developing systems to combat unmanned aircraft carrying explosive devices, as described in the local press following the December 18 attack.
According to the media, the measure is a direct response to the incident attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN). The Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, explained that the use of explosive drones represents a growing threat, which is why the state’s preventive measures must be deepened and the ability to anticipate new attacks strengthened. Sánchez stated, according to the press, that in 2025 around 95% of attempted drone attacks for illegal purposes were foiled, but stressed that the sophistication of these devices and their use by armed groups are evolving rapidly.
The attack on the Aguachica military base led to the immediate deployment of intelligence units and joint operations in areas considered at risk, with the aim of identifying and capturing both the material enforcers and the intellectuals responsible for the aggression, the local press reported. These measures included the comprehensive mobilization of state capabilities within a strategy combining criminal and preventive measures.
In parallel, the government announced a reward of up to 200 million pesos, the equivalent of about 44,200 euros, for citizens who provide useful information to anticipate drone attacks and facilitate the arrest of those involved. According to press reports, this incentive system aims to strengthen cooperation with citizens and expand preventive education in order to increase the effectiveness of active operations.
Pedro Sánchez highlighted in press statements the changes in the methods of illegal armed groups and mentioned the increase in the use of advanced technology in hostile actions. The minister explained: “The use of this technology has increased exponentially and at a very high rate.” The official data presented by Sánchez shows that, despite successes in preventing most drone attacks, the threat is forcing the state to accelerate the modernization of its defense systems.
The proposed measures include implementing more sophisticated surveillance systems and an immediate police response, as well as significantly improving intelligence efforts to detect, intercept and disable drones before they attack. The logistical deployment of the new generation and the increased coordination between the armed forces, police and civilian population form the basis of the prevention plan to contain the spread of this type of violence.
According to the press, the state investment will support the first phase of this national project and ensure resources to provide authorities with specific tools to address the threat of drones used by illegal armed groups such as the ELN. This organization remains one of the main sources of risk to the country’s security, especially in adjacent areas and high-risk regions.
Minister Sánchez stressed the urgency of completely dismantling the structure of this group and reducing the potential danger that the acquisition and use of advanced technology poses to the population. State support extends to the wounded soldiers and the families of the deceased and includes medical care as well as psychological and social support, according to press and official statements.
Authorities reiterated the importance of civil cooperation and timely reporting to anticipate and prevent similar attacks, as citizen participation in the prevention network and early detection of threats is crucial. The Government noted that the comprehensive response to the aggression suffered in Aguachica reflects the strengthening of surveillance, prosecution and the development of technological capabilities to prevent the use of armed drones from becoming established as a recurring type of attack in the country.
The state strategy, according to information disseminated by the local press, aims to significantly curb the offensive capacity of illegal armed groups and reduce the impact of technological violence, with a focus on both operational resilience and human care for those affected by this new conflict scenario.
About The Author
