In 2024, dissident factions of the FARC have repeatedly surprised Colombia’s military forces by using drones to harass communities and law enforcement in various regions. Footage has captured several of these attacks, which were countered by the military. Recently, in Policarpa, Nariño, one of these drones was shot down by the security forces. This situation prompted the Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, to announce a technological enhancement strategy for the military forces.
The initiative, dubbed “Fuerza Innovación” (Innovation Force), aims to strengthen national security and defense through open innovation and collaboration among the military, the National Police, private sector companies, universities, and the tech industry. Velásquez emphasized that the sector is currently enhancing its capabilities and launching innovative projects, such as those from Codaltech, which involve drone and anti-drone systems.
He noted that these technologies are crucial for combating illegal armed groups that use drones for criminal purposes, as evidenced in the country’s southwestern region. Companies like Cotecmar are actively constructing vessels for the Armed Forces and the Latin American market as part of this collaborative innovation effort, which seeks to integrate defense capabilities with academia and industry.
The Minister also highlighted that this cooperation would expedite the implementation of artificial intelligence and other technological advancements to optimize operations. Additionally, a new science, technology, and innovation policy has been launched, focusing on improving lives in conflict-affected areas, enhancing cybersecurity, addressing various criminal threats, and utilizing advanced technologies to dismantle criminal organizations.
The “Fuerza Innovación” initiative outlines a roadmap to coordinate resources and efforts more effectively in addressing current security and defense challenges, benefiting both the military and broader society. On July 15, a video surfaced showing a criminal affiliated with an armed group conducting tests with a drone in a rural area of Argelia, Cauca. Disturbingly, this individual had attached explosives to the drone while children were observing nearby.
The video showed the dissident smiling as he noticed the children’s presence, highlighting a disturbing trend. Reports indicate that the governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, warned that this armed group is training youths to attack security forces. She mentioned that around 30 young individuals had already been recruited for such training.
Furthermore, sources like W Radio have explained that once recruits enter what is termed a “drone school,” they are expected to commit a crime against authorities to graduate. Between April and June, there have been 19 recorded attacks involving explosive-laden drones attributed to FARC dissidents and the ELN in Cauca, raising serious concerns.
Governor Toro emphasized that the relevant agencies are currently investigating to locate the trained youths, who may pose a threat to public safety soon. General Helder Fernán Giraldo, a former military commander, warned in March 2024 of an “imminent use of drones” by dissidents to strike military personnel. He highlighted the necessity for the establishment of protocols and preventative measures to mitigate risks associated with drone use by criminal groups, advocating for early detection systems and no-fly zones in sensitive areas, along with defensive tactics to neutralize these devices.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2024/07/22/para-combatir-los-drones-de-las-disidencias-ministerio-de-defensa-anuncia-alianza-con-sector-tecnologico/
