The tragedy in Aguachica, Cesar, worsened this Friday, December 19, when the death of professional soldier Jorge Mario Orozco Díaz was confirmed, who was receiving specialized medical care after the brutal attack by the ELN against Military Battalion No. 14 Captain Antonio Ricaurte. With this new victim, the death toll rises to seven uniformed personnel and 31 injured.
The attack, which occurred on the night of Thursday, December 18, in the village of El Juncal, was perpetrated by members of the Camilo Torres Restrepo Front of the ELN, who used drones equipped with improvised explosives and launched tatuco-type devices against the facilities where the soldiers were training.
The confirmed deaths so far are: professional soldier Jaime Alejandro Cárdenas Ramírez, professional soldier Mateo Pino Pulgarín, professional soldier Juan David Pérez Vides, professional soldier Kevin Andrés Méndez Torres, professional soldier Jhon Fredy Moreno Sierra, soldier Brandon Daniel Valderrama Martínez and professional soldier Jorge Mario Orozco Díaz.
In addition to the seven fatalities, the National Army reported that 30 soldiers were injured. Four of them remain in serious condition receiving specialized medical care, while 26 had minor injuries and are waiting to be discharged.
The Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, forcefully rejected the terrorist attack and demanded the total dismantling of the armed group.
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“The terrorism of the ELN cartel is a threat that must be completely dismantled. Not doing so is putting the population at serious risk”stated the official.
Sánchez expressed his solidarity with the families of the fallen soldiers and the wounded. “To the families of our fallen heroes and the wounded, all my solidarity, respect and support. We honor your service and your sacrifice for Colombia”he stated through his X account.
The head of the Defense portfolio announced that President Gustavo Petro authorized progress in a manifest urgency and the management of 1 billion pesos to develop the first phase of a strategic project aimed at protecting the country against attacks carried out with drones.
The troops of the Second Division maintain operations in the area with the objective of affecting the actions of the ELN and preserving security in this region of Cesar.
The Ministry of Defense offered up to $200 million pesos as a reward for information that allows anticipating terrorist attacks and drone attacks. The institution also called on the community to report any situation that may affect security through lines 147 and 107.
Photo National Army.
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