A serious attack with explosives against the Infantry Battalion No. 14 Captain Antonio Ricaurte, located in the town of Juncal, municipality of Aguachica, Cesar, left six soldiers dead and at least 31 soldiers injured, as confirmed by the National Army.
The attack occurred during the night of last Thursday, December 18, when military units were at the base.
According to official information, those responsible would have used drones equipped with improvised explosives, in addition to launching unconventional tatuco-type devices, in an action attributed to the Camilo Torres Restrepo Front of the ELN Organized Armed Group.
Admiral Francisco Cubides, commander of the Military Forces, pointed out that the Army troops reacted immediately to repel the aggression, while joint and coordinated operations were activated to secure the area and evacuate the affected personnel.
As a result of the attack, professional soldiers Jaime Alejandro Cárdenas Ramírez, Mateo Pino Pulgarín, Juan David Pérez Vides, Kevin Andrés Méndez Torres, Jhon Fredy Moreno Sierra and soldier Brandon Daniel Valderrama Martínez lost their lives.
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Regarding the injured, the Army stated that five soldiers had serious injuries and 26 had minor injuries.
The injured are being treated at the José David Padilla Villafañe hospital and at a highly complex private clinic in Aguachica. At least two of the most seriously injured will be transferred by helicopter to Bucaramanga, for which the municipal stadium was enabled as an air evacuation point.
The attack also caused considerable damage to military infrastructure, while authorities continue to gather information to establish the full extent of the material damage.
After the events, the Army ordered the reinforcement of the force in the area, with the deployment of additional troops from the south of Bolívar and Bucaramanga, under the coordination of the Fifth Brigade of the Second Division.
In an official statement, the institution rejected the armed action and pointed out that these types of attacks violate International Humanitarian Law, put the civilian population at risk and cause mourning for the Military Forces and the families of those in uniform.
#OfficialCommunication | The command of the #FifthBrigadethe public opinion is allowed to be informed that:
1. On the night of this Thursday, December 18, 2025, members of the organized armed group ELN Frente Camilo Torres Restrepo carried out a terrorist action against the Base… pic.twitter.com/FuwzCmg4oc
— Second Division of the National Army (@Ejercito_Div2) December 19, 2025
Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.
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