The U.S. Department of State issued a security alert warning of an elevated risk of new ELN drone attacks by illegal armed groups in the Cesar department, a little over 230 kilometers south of Barranquilla, a few days before the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, arrives in the city. The United States Embassy in Colombia noted that the ELN is designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
ELN drone attacks: incidents and risks
The alert says that during 2026 several attacks have been recorded using drones loaded with explosives, primarily targeting police substations, military installations and public force positions. The diplomatic mission added that some incidents have been concentrated in municipalities and sectors of southern Cesar.
The Department of State cited specific episodes: in July an attack at the police substation of El Burro in the municipality of Pailitas injured five uniformed officers; in August an incursion in the sectors of Curumani and San Roque left one police officer dead; and at the end of that same month additional drone attacks in the south of the department caused injuries to several soldiers.
US recommendations and travel guidance
The alert recommends that U.S. citizens remain vigilant of their surroundings, especially near police stations, government buildings, military installations and main roads. It advises avoiding confrontation with armed persons, maintaining a low profile, and steering clear of crowds, demonstrations and other places where public order may be disrupted.
Other suggestions include staying informed through local media and regularly checking security updates, reviewing personal emergency plans, and ensuring cell phones remain charged to facilitate communications in case of an eventuality. The Department of State also suggests avoiding travel to Arauca; Cauca (except Popayan); Valle del Cauca (except Cali); and Norte de Santander because of risks related to crime and terrorism. In addition, it advises against traveling to areas located less than 10 kilometers from the Colombia–Venezuela border due to the presence of crime, kidnappings and clashes between armed groups.
Colombian government response
The State Department alert comes almost simultaneously with the neutralization, in La Guajira, of alias ‘Bendito Menor’, leader of the criminal gang Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ASCN), better known as ‘Los Pachenca’.
A few days after an extraordinary security council on August 28, the Colombian government announced a security shock plan for Cesar that includes deploying anti-drone protection systems in the municipalities of El Copey, Curumani, La Jagua de Ibirico and Pelaya, and extending the defensive scheme to Valledupar. The Government also ordered reinforcement of security for the oil pipeline and other strategic infrastructure to prevent criminal organizations from obtaining resources through the illegal exploitation of minerals and hydrocarbons.
