In southeastern Colombia, two soldiers were attacked during an anti-drug operation at a cocaine lab, suffering severe burns from being engulfed in flames from gasoline. The military reported that the incident occurred in the North Putumayo Division, which borders Ecuador. Increasing attacks on security forces in remote areas controlled by guerrilla groups are becoming common as Colombia faces a significant security crisis fueled by criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attackers, who are linked to the Comandos de Frontera faction rejecting a 2016 peace agreement with FARC. He asserted that these individuals are criminals exploiting local communities. The group is currently in peace negotiations with the Colombian government, but progress is slow. The leader of the faction, Andres Rojas, was arrested earlier this year on charges related to drug trafficking.
Recent incidents also include the deaths of soldiers and attacks linked to groups like the ELN, which have strained peace talks and led to rising violence in the region.
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