BUENAVENTURA, VALLE DEL CAUCA, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 12, 2025 Video shows the aftermath of an attack by an organized armed group, likely a faction of FARC, on the national army. The attack took place in the Pastico sector while soldiers were manning a checkpoint on the Naya River. A drone dropped an explosive on them, killing three and injuring four on the spot.
This attack sparked a new wave of concern over the technologies being used by rebel groups in Colombia. So far, this is the first drone strike used against soldiers. Survivors reported having no chance to defend themselves – they neither saw nor heard the drone.
FARC is a leftist guerrilla organization in Colombia that emerged in the early 1960s. It finances its operations through drug trafficking, kidnappings, and extortion. In one sentence, they can be described as communist guerrillas fighting against the government, who do not hesitate to use terrorist methods.
Although FARC reached a ceasefire agreement with the Colombian government in 2016, the violence has been reduced but not entirely stopped. Numerous factions, known as GAO-r, have emerged and continue illegal activities.
