How $600 Drones Are Outsmarting Colombia’s Billion-Dollar Military

New York Times - WorldEN 5 min read 100% complete by Max Bearak and Simón PosadaFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In Colombia, insurgent groups are increasingly using inexpensive, readily available commercial drones modified to carry explosives, posing a significant challenge to the nation's military. Security officials report that these drones, often equipped with grenades, are being deployed in swarms to attack soldiers and infrastructure, like oil pumping stations near the Venezuelan border. The ELN, active in the Catatumbo region, is one such group utilizing this technology. This development is shifting the dynamics of Colombia's decades-long conflict, as the military struggles to counter this cheap and easily accessible weapon. The situation is further complicated by pressure from the U.S. to target groups involved in drug trafficking.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sudan 30% Gaza Strip 30% Ukraine 30% The New York Times 40% Amazon 40% Donald Trump 50% Venezuela 50% Catatumbo 60% Robinson Hernandez 60% John Silva 60% National Liberation Army (ELN) ×270% Colombia ×690%

Keywords

drones 100% drone warfare 80% insurgent groups 70% colombia 70% military 60% commercial drones 60% security 50% modified weapons 50% drug trafficking 40% anti-drone technology 40%