Three professional soldiers were killed and four other military personnel were injured following the activation of an area prepared with improvised explosive devices against Army troops in La Unión, a rural area of La Macarena, Meta, according to the military. The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 21, during operations conducted by members of the Rapid Deployment Battalion No. 35, belonging to the Rapid Deployment Force No. 12.
Casualties and Preliminary Responsibility in La Macarena
The fallen soldiers were officially identified by the Army as Elkin Quinto Mosquera, Jesús Adrián Ramírez Carrillo, and Óscar David Monterroza Suárez. The same incident left one non-commissioned officer and three professional soldiers wounded. Preliminarily, the Army indicated that the Estructura Ever Castro, part of the Bloque Jorge Suárez Briceño and a faction loyal to alias Calarcá, is the possible responsible party for the attack. Following the blast, the Military Forces activated aerial, operational, and medical capabilities to respond to the affected troops, though the three injured military personnel in La Macarena remain awaiting evacuation for specialized care.
Simultaneous Attack in Vistahermosa
In the same early morning hours, a separate attack targeted Army troops in Puerto Chorizo, a rural area of Vistahermosa, Meta, as reported by authorities. Soldiers from the Rapid Deployment Battalion No. 31, attached to the Rapid Deployment Force No. 11, faced an initial strike from an improvised explosive device followed by long-range firearm gunshots. Two professional soldiers sustained injuries in this second engagement. These wounded service members were transported to the Apiay medical dispensary while logistics are managed for their transfer to the Hospital Departamental de Villavicencio.
Did You Know? The operations in Meta involve specific specialized units, including the Rapid Deployment Battalion No. 35 and Rapid Deployment Battalion No. 31, operating under the command of the regional Rapid Deployment Forces.
Military Response and Operational Outlook
Faced with these coordinated strikes, the Army announced that it will continue military operations throughout the southeastern region of the country to track down and locate those responsible for both attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the attacks take place?
Both attacks occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 21.
Which military units were targeted in La Macarena and Vistahermosa?
The troops involved belonged to the Rapid Deployment Battalion No. 35 in La Macarena and the Rapid Deployment Battalion No. 31 in Vistahermosa.
Who has been preliminarily blamed for the attack in La Macarena?
The Army pointed to the Estructura Ever Castro, of the Bloque Jorge Suárez Briceño, a faction of alias Calarcá, as the possible responsible party.
How will these security developments impact ongoing operations in the region?