An explosive-laden drone struck the terminal of Tibú airport in Norte de Santander, Colombia, on July 9, 2026 [1], [2].

The attack marks a significant escalation in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to target critical civilian infrastructure. By striking a regional airport, the perpetrators have demonstrated a capability to disrupt transport and threaten personnel in remote areas of the country.

Three airport workers were injured in the blast [1]. A spokesperson for the Tibú airport said there are no serious injuries [3]. The drone targeted the terminal area, causing damage to the facility [2].

The Colombian Army said the attack was carried out by the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN [1]. This attribution places the event within the context of the ongoing conflict between the Colombian state and the guerrilla group.

Police authorities said they are advancing in the collection of evidence to identify those responsible [4]. The operation to secure the site and investigate the origin of the drone continues as officials assess the full extent of the terminal damage [2].

Security forces have increased their presence in the Norte de Santander region following the incident. The use of drones for such attacks represents a shift in tactics that requires the military to adapt its defensive measures for civilian hubs [1].

“The Colombian Army attributes the attack to the ELN.”

The use of weaponized drones against a civilian airport suggests a tactical shift by the ELN, moving beyond traditional guerrilla warfare toward asymmetric attacks on infrastructure. This development forces the Colombian government to rethink the security perimeter of regional transport hubs, which were previously considered lower-risk targets compared to military installations.