Ejército Nacional se pronunció sobre la ofensiva contra unidad militar en Ocaña, Norte de Santander: responsabilizó al ELN

On February 6, 2026, the facilities of the 15th Light Infantry Battalion General Francisco de Paula Santander were targeted in a nighttime attack involving explosive devices.

In a statement, the National Army of Colombia confirmed that the attack was carried out by members of the Carlos Armando Cauca Guerrero Front of the organized armed group (GAO) of the National Liberation Army (ELN).

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According to the official report, two soldiers sustained injuries from the explosions and were transported to a medical facility in Ocaña for treatment.

“The incident occurred near this military unit located in the municipality of Ocaña, Norte de Santander, resulting in two affected military personnel, who suffered shrapnel injuries due to the explosion,” the letter states.

The Army confirmed that one of the individuals responsible for the attack was apprehended while attempting to flee from authorities. “As part of our troops’ response, one of the perpetrators of the attack was neutralized, and another member of this GAO was captured while trying to escape from the scene.”

The motive for the attack, as specified, may be linked to retaliation against military operations, which have intensified their presence in the municipality of Tibú, located in the northeast of the country, in the Catatumbo subregion, near the border with Venezuela.

This criminal action appears to be retaliation for the military operations carried out in Tibú against the members of this GAO; simultaneously demonstrating once more the indiscriminate use of terrorist practices that violate Human Rights and infringe upon International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with which this illegal group puts the civilian population at serious risk,” the letter details.

It also emphasizes: “This command has deployed an interdisciplinary team to assist and support personnel affected by these events and will file the necessary reports with the competent authorities.”

General Rodolfo Morales Franco, Commander of the Second Division, provided details about the events that occurred at the Ocaña Military Canton. In a video, he stated that “the attack further demonstrates the use of terrorist practices that violate human rights and infringe upon international humanitarian law, placing both the civilian population and the public force in serious danger.”

The official mentioned that military operations will continue, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (MARTE) is conducting verifications in the area to rule out the presence of any explosive devices that could endanger the community or service members passing through the region.

“The army command has assembled an interdisciplinary team to assist, support the affected personnel and their families. They will also file the appropriate complaints with competent authorities. The explosive ordnance disposal group, MARTE, of the second division will carry out checks in the area to ensure there are no explosive devices. Military operations continue steadily to counteract and diminish the criminal actions of these organized armed groups operating in Norte de Santander,” General Morales Franco stated.

The Army boasted about the bombing carried out in the early morning of February 4, 2026, in Catatumbo, Norte de Santander, against the ELN, which left seven dead and one injured.

The precision operation took place in the municipalities of El Tarra and Tibú, Norte de Santander, where ground and air units acted together. According to information released by the National Army, the deployment included the participation of the Aviation and Air Assault Division (Davaa) and Task Force Vulcano. In the area, soldiers maintain a permanent presence, conduct patrols, and secure strategic positions.