Breaking News: Colombian Soldiers Killed in Rebel Drone Attack

At least seven Colombian soldiers were killed and 30 others injured in a rebel drone attack on a military base near the Venezuelan border on Thursday night. The attack, carried out by the ELN guerrilla group, marks the second deadly clash with security forces in a week. The ELN, founded in 1964 and inspired by the Cuban revolution, is the oldest surviving guerrilla group in the Americas.

According to reports, the attack occurred at a rural military outpost in Aguachica, where ELN rebels used drones and explosives to breach the base's defenses. The assault, which took place at around 9 pm local time, caught the soldiers off guard, resulting in the loss of life and multiple injuries.

The Colombian government has condemned the attack, with the Defense Ministry releasing a statement expressing outrage over the ELN's actions. "I categorically reject the ELN's terrorist action using drones and launching of explosive devices against a Military Base," the statement read.

The attack is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between the ELN and Colombian security forces. Just last week, two police officers were killed in a separate incident in Cali. The ELN has long been a thorn in the side of the Colombian government, controlling key drug-producing regions and repeatedly stalling efforts to negotiate a peace settlement.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Colombian military has vowed to take swift action against the ELN. The government has also called for calm and urged civilians to remain vigilant in the face of the escalating conflict. With tensions running high, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation will develop in the coming days.