What is happening in Colombia’s Norte de Santander? US warns of elevated attack risk

Bogota: The United States has warned of an elevated risk of attacks by illegal armed groups in Colombia’s Norte de Santander department, particularly in the Catatumbo region, where armed groups have repeatedly used explosives and drones in attacks on security installations.

In a security alert issued on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Colombia said groups operating in the region have used commercially available drones fitted with explosives, sometimes alongside rifle fire, to target police substations and military installations.

The embassy warned that attacks could take place with little or no warning and could target police stations, government buildings, military facilities and related infrastructure.

Why is Norte de Santander a concern?

Norte de Santander, in northeastern Colombia, borders Venezuela and includes the Catatumbo region, an area that has been affected by violence involving illegal armed groups.

The National Liberation Army (ELN), which the US designates as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, is among the armed groups operating in the area. Armed groups in Colombia have increasingly used improvised explosive devices, landmines and explosives attached to drones in conflicts involving rival groups and government forces.

The Catatumbo region has also been affected by clashes between armed groups seeking territorial influence and control over illicit economic activities. Such violence has had consequences for civilians, including displacement, restrictions on movement and the threat of kidnapping and extortion.

What has the US warned?

The latest alert advises US citizens not to travel to Norte de Santander because of crime and terrorism. It also warns against travelling within 10 km of the Colombia-Venezuela border because of crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups and the risk of detention.

The wider US travel advisory for Colombia remains at Level 3 — Reconsider travel, while Norte de Santander is among the areas listed under the department-specific “Do Not Travel” warning.

The embassy has advised people in the region to remain alert, avoid demonstrations and crowds, keep away from police and military installations, monitor local media and maintain emergency plans.

Why are drones being highlighted?

Drones have become an increasingly accessible tool for armed groups in Colombia. The US State Department says attacks involving explosives have included devices attached to drones, while ACLED has also documented the growing use of explosives delivered by drones and other devices in Colombia's armed conflicts.

The latest warning therefore highlights a broader security concern in Norte de Santander: the combination of established armed-group activity with relatively accessible technology that can be used to carry out attacks remotely.

The US Embassy has urged citizens already in the region to maintain a low profile, avoid confronting armed individuals and remain vigilant around potential targets.