U.S. warns Americans of drone-linked attacks and kidnappings in Colombia's North Santander border zone
The U.S. Embassy in Colombia has issued a travel advisory urging U.S. citizens to avoid the Norte de Santander Department and the nearby border area because of heightened threats from armed groups using explosive-laden drones, kidnappings and other violence.
U.S. officials have warned Americans to stay away from Colombia's Norte de Santander Department and the adjacent border region with Venezuela, citing an increased danger of attacks by illegal armed groups. The embassy's Sept. 29 advisory notes that factions such as the National one outlet Army (ELN) have used off-the-shelf drones equipped with explosives, often in conjunction with rifle fire, to strike police substations and military installations in the Catatumbo area.
The warning advises U.S. citizens to remain at least five miles from the border, avoid crowds, demonstrations, and any confrontation with armed individuals, and to maintain heightened vigilance near police stations, government buildings, and major roads. Travelers are also urged to monitor local media for security updates and to reconsider trips to other Colombian regions because of ongoing crime, terrorism and kidnapping threats. The advisory reflects broader U.S. State Department guidance issued in recent months urging Americans to reassess travel to Colombia amid persistent violence by illegal armed groups.
Why it matters
The advisory highlights a growing security threat that could affect U.S. travelers and underscores escalating violence in a key border region.
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