A 10-year-old boy named Dylan was killed on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in a drone attack targeting soldiers in Colombia. This incident marks the first drone-related death in the country.
The attack occurred in El Plateado, located southwest of Cauca, an area known for guerrilla activity. The drone, allegedly launched by dissident guerrillas from The Central General Staff (EMC), dropped a grenade on a soccer field, killing the young boy and injuring 12 others. The condition of those injured has not been disclosed.
General Federico Mejia, the regional military commander, declared in a social media video that the military would retaliate forcefully against the perpetrators of the ruthless terrorist attack. The defense ministry highlighted the increasing use of commercially available drones by guerrillas to drop explosives on rivals and government targets.
Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez offered his condolences to Dylan’s family via social media, emphasizing the military’s commitment to intensify operations aimed at safeguarding the population and apprehending the perpetrators. The army has dispatched more than 800 soldiers to the Cauca region to neutralize the rebel leaders. Velasquez also noted that this violent act against innocent civilians highlights the persistent challenges posed by guerrilla violence in Colombia.
Kevin Arcos, a commander with the Carlos Patino Front, a subgroup of the EMC, denied the group’s responsibility and blamed the army, stating, “The community of El Plateado knows the truth.” This statement reflects the ongoing conflict and mistrust between guerrilla groups and the military.
The Micay Canyon, where El Plateado is located, is a mountainous region known for its coca plantations, the primary ingredient for cocaine. Colombia produces more than half of the world’s cocaine, and the area has seen significant drug trafficking activity. Last month, authorities seized two semisubmersible vessels loaded with nearly five tons of cocaine off the Pacific coast of Colombia. The army’s efforts to control the region have intensified, leading to increased clashes with guerrilla factions.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from various sectors. Colombia’s army commander condemned the “cowardly terrorist attack” and reiterated the commitment to achieving peace. The BBC reported that guerrillas have carried out 17 drone attacks over six weeks in Colombia, with no previous fatalities. The use of drones by both guerrillas and the government for surveillance and attacks is becoming more prevalent in the ongoing conflict.