1 soldier killed as rebels detonate roadside landmines in Nariño, Colombia

A Colombian Army soldier was killed and two others wounded on Monday when residual rebel fighters detonated roadside improvised explosive devices in the department of Nariño.

According to an official statement from the Third Division of the National Army, troops from the 9th Light Infantry Battalion “Batalla de Boyacá” responded to a report of a suspected improvised explosive device on the Pan-American Highway near Puente Mayo. While verifying and attempting to neutralize the threat, an area mined with explosives was activated.

Combat medics immediately treated the injured soldiers. Despite their efforts, professional soldier José Manuel López Villada died from his wounds. The two other wounded personnel were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for further care.

Preliminary information attributes the attack to the residual organized armed group known as the Franco Benavides Structure, which is believed to have placed the victim-activated explosive devices along the roadside to target troops.

Army commanders strongly condemned the killing, describing the use of such indiscriminate explosive devices as a flagrant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. They said formal complaints would be filed and that military operations in the area would continue to maintain security, territorial control, and protection of local communities.

Authorities expressed solidarity with the family, friends, and comrades of the fallen soldier.