Deadly Attack on Senator’s Security Detail Shocks Arauca Region
A disturbing video has surfaced showing the moment of a brazen armed attack on the vehicle carrying the security detail of Senator Jairo Castellanos in the department of Arauca, Colombia. The footage reveals the violence that led to the deaths of two of his bodyguards on .
The video, released by the senator’s team, depicts several armed individuals, reportedly not wearing camouflage, opening sustained fire with rifles and other long-range weapons on the vehicle, which was already stopped on a rural road. The attack was executed at close range, leaving the occupants with no opportunity to react.
The approximately 30-second video highlights the intensity of the gunfire directed at the vehicle, seemingly with the intent to ensure the deaths of those inside. Authorities have noted that the perpetrators were dressed in civilian clothing, without any camouflage or markings identifying them as members of military or security forces.
The attack occurred along the route between the municipalities of Fortul and Tame. A reward of up to 200 million pesos remains active for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible.
Investigators view the video as a crucial piece of evidence in the judicial process, allowing for analysis of the modus operandi, logistics employed, and potential involvement of illegal armed groups, a particularly sensitive issue given the approaching congressional and presidential elections.
Senator Castellanos reacted to the footage with profound grief over the loss of his security personnel. “They massacred my security detail,” he stated, adding that one member had been with him for ten years and another for almost two.
The National Protection Unit (UNP) also condemned the attack and expressed its solidarity with the families of Wilmer Antonio Leal, a driver and escort assigned to the UNP, and Esmeli Manrique, a police officer providing protection, who were killed while on duty.
The incident comes amidst escalating violence in the Arauca region. Recent reports indicate a separate attack on soldiers in Arauca, with footage emerging of that incident as well. News reports detail an attack on two soldiers at a checkpoint near Lipa, via Tame, where they were fired upon by individuals in a high-end vehicle. The soldiers were able to take cover.
Another recent attack targeted the governor of Arauca, Renson Martínez Prada, whose vehicle sustained over ten gunshot wounds while traveling between Fortul and Saravena.
Further complicating the security situation, a video has also surfaced showing an attack on soldiers attributed to the ELN (National Liberation Army). Reports indicate that this attack resulted in more than 20 soldiers wounded and two fatalities. Disturbing audio captured during the aftermath of the ELN attack includes a soldier requesting help with his boot, saying, “Aflójeme la bota, no la siento” (“Loosen my boot, I can’t feel it”).
The ELN attack, which wounded over 30 soldiers and killed two, has been described as a brutal escalation of violence and has ignited criticism of the government’s handling of peace negotiations with the group. The attack occurred in Puerto Jordán, Arauca.
Authorities continue their investigations to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack on Senator Castellanos’ security detail and bring those responsible to justice, amid growing concerns about the safety of political leaders in regions affected by armed conflict. The attacks raise serious questions about the security landscape in Arauca as the country approaches critical elections.
