Colombia: Explosives-Laden Mule Kills Soldier, ELN Blamed

Explosives-Laden Mule Kills Soldier in Colombia; ELN Blamed

A Colombian soldier was killed and two others injured after a mule carrying explosives detonated in rural northeastern Colombia. The incident occurred near Valdivia.

Attack Attributed to ELN

Antioquia Governor Andres Julian Rendon blamed the National Liberation Army (ELN) for the attack. The ELN is a guerrilla group of around 6,000 fighters still engaged in conflict with the government.

Rendon stated the soldiers were targeted by "an equine armed with explosives."

Condemnation of Animal Use in Terrorism

The army condemned the incident as "the cruel and macabre use of animals to carry out terrorism." While car and motorcycle bombs are more common, the military noted a similar attack involving a dog occurred in 2013.

Peace Talks Suspended

President Gustavo Petro had initiated peace talks with the ELN, however, these talks were suspended in January after an ELN offensive near the Venezuelan border.