Petro visited wounded soldiers after ELN attack in Arauca

by times news cr

2024-09-19 04:53:26

President Gustavo Petro visited this Wednesday the Army soldiers who were injured after the attack perpetrated by the ELN against a military base in Puerto Jordán, Arauca department.

The soldiers are receiving medical attention at the Military Hospital in Bogotá, where 18 of the 26 soldiers affected by the attack are being treated.

During his visit, the president spoke with some of the wounded, including second lieutenant José Orjuela, non-commissioned officers Ariza Ortiz and Ganen Bedoya, and soldiers Ortiz Valencia and Arrieta Arroyo. Petro expressed his solidarity with the uniformed personnel and was informed about the health status of the hospitalized soldiers, extending his condolences to the families of the two soldiers killed in the attack: professional soldiers Byron Correa and Julián Patiño.

Medical report of the injured

Spokesmen for the Military Hospital reported that 13 of the wounded soldiers remain in hospital, monitored by an interdisciplinary medical team, who are treating them for trauma and soft tissue injuries. Another five uniformed personnel are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), receiving specialized care due to orthopedic, chest and abdominal injuries, after having undergone surgery.

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The attack against the 18th Field Artillery Battalion, in Puerto Jordán, Arauquita, was carried out by launching improvised explosive devices from a dump truck, which caused the Death of two soldiers and injuries to 26 othersAccording to preliminary intelligence reports, the attack was allegedly carried out by the Domingo Laín Sáenz war front of the National Liberation Army (ELN).

In addition to the two deceased soldiers, another 21 uniformed personnel were affected by shrapnel and stunalthough they are out of danger and are being assessed by the Army medical staff.

During the troops’ reaction to the attack, two people were captured, apparently traveling on motorcycles. next to the dump truck from which the explosives were thrown. The detainees are in the custody of the authorities and are expected to be brought to trial in the coming hours.

Military response and official rejection

By order of President Petro, the commander of the National Army, General Luis Emilio Cardozo, went to Arauca to take charge of control operations in the region and lead security actions. The Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, from Washington, where he is carrying out a government agenda, condemned the attack, calling it an “execrable act.” Velásquez stressed that the military forces will continue with forceful operations to guarantee security in the area and capture those responsible.

This attack is one of a series of violent actions that have taken place in the department of Arauca, a region historically affected by the presence of illegal armed groups.

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