Explosion during military operation in Meta leaves three soldiers dead and four wounded

Three Colombian soldiers were killed and four others wounded on Monday, September 21, when an improvised explosive device detonated during a military operation in a rural area of La Macarena, in the department of Meta.

The Colombian army said the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, as troops were conducting operations in the La Unión area. The three soldiers died at the scene, while a noncommissioned officer and three other soldiers were wounded.

According to the authorities’ preliminary assessment, a faction of the former FARC’s dissident groups was behind the attack. The faction is linked to the structure led by the alias “Calarcá.” Investigators are continuing their work to identify those ultimately responsible.

The incident occurred at a time when the confrontation between the Colombian government and armed groups is escalating. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on August 7 for the 2026–2030 term, has said his administration will intensify the fight against armed groups and drug trafficking.

FARC was the guerrilla organization that fought the Colombian state for decades and signed a historic peace agreement with the government in 2016. Some former fighters rejected the agreement and continued their armed activities, forming dissident groups.

The incident in Meta comes as authorities are stepping up military operations against these groups, particularly in areas where armed groups engage in criminal activities and drug trafficking.