Drone attacks by armed groups in Colombia rose 146 percent in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, the country’s Ombudsman’s Office said. The attacks killed 21 people and wounded 145, including children.
Civilians made up nearly one-third of those killed or wounded, according to the office. Ombudsman Iris Marin said the recurring sound of drones is terrorising communities in areas affected by conflict.
How the attacks are affecting communities
Marin said fear has made it harder for people in some territories to work in the fields, reach health centres and carry out daily activities. The Ombudsman’s Office also said the attacks have restricted humanitarian missions and hindered processes for people returning to, or remaining in, affected territories.
Key points
- Homes, educational institutions, petrol stations and other infrastructure were hit.
- Fear of drone overflights has been linked to displacement and restrictions on movement in some territories.
- The attacks have restricted humanitarian access and hindered returns and permanent residence in affected areas.
Why armed groups use drones
Armed groups commonly use lethal, improvised drones fitted with explosives to demonstrate their strength. Analysts say the devices serve two main purposes: attacking rival groups and state forces, and surveilling illegal coca fields.
Government forces are also using drones
The unmanned aircraft are difficult to neutralise over Colombia’s rugged terrain. The government announced a $1.68bn project in January 2026 to develop an anti-drone shield.
Recent Colombian military operations have used US-made drones, according to a military source, while government forces have also used grenade-launching drones against armed fighters in recent months. A Human Rights Watch report last month said children were being trained in drone warfare and that armed groups were recruiting children through social media platforms including Meta and TikTok. Read the context: Human Rights Watch Highlights Civilian Attacks in Joint US-Ecuador Military Actions.
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