Drone attacks by Colombian armed groups more than double in early 2026

Drone attacks by armed groups in Colombia surged 146 percent in the first five months of this year compared with the same period in 2025, according to the country's Ombudsman's Office. The attacks killed 21 people and wounded 145 others, including children. Civilians accounted for nearly a third of those killed or wounded, the office said on Thursday. Drones are part of the escalating war between armed groups and government forces, leaving civilians caught in between. Homes, educational institutions, petrol stations and infrastructure were also hit.