A bomb strapped to a donkey exploded in Colombia, killing one soldier and wounding two others. The incident, which occurred [Insert Location if known, otherwise say "in a rural area"], highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating insurgent groups who utilize unconventional tactics. Details regarding the specific insurgent group responsible remain unclear, although [mention any suspected groups or if investigations are ongoing]. The blast, which occurred [Time of day, if known], caused significant damage in the immediate vicinity. The injured soldiers were reportedly transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment, their conditions ranging from [Specify severity of wounds if known; otherwise, use "moderate to serious"]. The deceased soldier's identity is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The use of animals in such attacks underscores the resourcefulness of these groups and their willingness to employ cruel and unconventional methods. Investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack, including the origin and construction of the explosive device, and the identity of those responsible. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent security threats in parts of Colombia, despite ongoing peace efforts.
A soldier died and two were wounded Wednesday when a bomb that guerrilla fighters had attached to a donkey exploded in northwest Colombia, a local government official said.
The attack in Valdivia in Colombia's Antioquia department was attributed to the National Liberation Army, known by its Spanish language acronym ELN, with which the government has as the conflict-torn South American country faces its worst violence in a decade.
The talks were frozen in January, when the ELN was blamed for over 100 deaths in raids near the border with Venezuela. The group has intensified its attacks on Colombia's security forces since then.
Antioquia governor Andres Julian Rendon announced the attack in a , saying one officer was killed and two injured.
The attack was carried out using an "equine loaded with explosives" and sent toward a platoon of soldiers, he said.
"This government insists on talking about total peace and now with the tale of urban peace," Rendon said on X. "Emboldened bandits navigating in impunity."
In a , Rendon identified the fallen soldier as Lieutenant Jhonatan Arbey Monsalve Moreno.
"He was serving the country with heroism when [ELN] criminals attacked his unit," Rendon said.
With the stated goal of achieving "total peace" after decades of conflict, leftist President Gustavo Petro took office in 2022 and reopened peace talks with an array of armed groups.
Colombia has enjoyed almost a decade of relative peace since the signing of a deal in 2016 led to the disarmament of its biggest rebel army, the FARC.
Yet pockets of the country are still controlled by assorted left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and drug cartels vying for control of narcotics production, illegal mining and trafficking routes. The U.S. has as foreign terrorist organizations.
During Petro's term, observers say armed groups financed by the cocaine trade have only grown stronger.
In January, in Colombia's northeast region following failed attempts to hold peace talks with the ELN. Later that month, Colombia's government announced a for information leading to the arrest and conviction of four leaders of the rebel group.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
