Amid an armed conflict that continues to evolve rapidly and adopt new operational logics, Colombia is now confronting a form of warfare that until recently seemed distant: the consolidation of clandestine drone schools.
These training hubs, located in hard-to-reach areas and often linked across borders, are being used by illegal armed groups to train young recruits in the use of emerging technologies for combat purposes. The rise of these structures represents not only a technical leap in capabilities but also a strategic shift that could intensify violence in regions historically affected by conflict.
According to military sources and publicly available reports, these schools began to take clearer shape around 2025 and have steadily gained strength. Their expansion has triggered concern among security agencies, particularly following confirmed attacks using modified drones capable of carrying explosives, some reportedly enhanced with advanced software to improve targeting precision.
This development signals a transition toward less visible, more mobile, and potentially more lethal forms of warfare, where physical distance is no longer a barrier to exerting control or inflicting harm.
From improvised devices to intelligent weapons: the technological leap in warfare
The use of drones in armed conflict is not new globally, but their systematic incorporation into Colombia’s internal war marks a turning point. In just a few years, illegal armed groups have moved from rudimentary experimentation to deploying devices capable of coordinated strikes, including nighttime operations with increasing levels of precision. This evolution appears to be the result of structured learning processes, such as those allegedly taking place in these clandestine schools.
In regions like Catatumbo, this shift has already had direct consequences for civilians. As highlighted by the news outlet El Colombiano, on May 16, 2025, in a rural area of Tibú, a drone was used to drop an explosive device onto a modest home, killing a child and injuring several others.
Days later, a similar attack destroyed structures in a location known as Tres Curvas. More recently, in March 2026, drones equipped with loudspeakers flew over rural settlements, broadcasting threats that led to the forced displacement of dozens of residents, including children and teenagers.
These incidents highlight not only the technical capabilities acquired by armed groups but also their intent to use these tools as mechanisms of territorial and psychological control. The ability to strike without direct physical presence reshapes the rules of engagement and expands operational reach.
Additionally, the reported use of 3D printing to manufacture components suggests a growing level of sophistication that could continue to evolve in the near term.
Who are the figures behind the strategy? Commanders, operators, and training networks
Behind these clandestine schools lies a defined organizational structure combining territorial command, logistics, and technical expertise. According to military sources, these training centers operate under the control of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and are overseen by its Northeastern War Front, one of the most active structures in the Catatumbo region, where limited state presence and challenging geography enable such operations.
Among those identified as key figures are Robinson Navarro Florez, known as “Alfred”; Oscar Perez Alvarez, alias “Arbey;” and Leonel Salazar Roa, alias “Gonzalo Satelite.” While detailed public information about their trajectories remains limited, their roles suggest a coordinated division of responsibilities within this emerging strategy.
“Alfred” is believed to function as a territorial commander, responsible for coordinating operations and ensuring that the knowledge gained in these schools translates into concrete actions on the ground. His role likely includes strategic planning, target selection, and integrating drone use into broader operational frameworks.
“Arbey,” in contrast, is reportedly linked to logistics and mobility. He would oversee the movement of trainees, the supply of materials, and the establishment of safe routes between Colombia and Venezuela. His function is essential for maintaining the continuity of these training programs and ensuring a steady flow of both recruits and equipment.
Meanwhile, “Gonzalo Satélite” appears to be associated with technological adaptation and communications. His alias suggests involvement in the technical side of operations, including modifying drones, managing systems, and implementing strategies that incorporate these devices into combat scenarios. His role bridges technical knowledge and operational deployment.
Central to this network is Emilse Oviedo Sierra, known as “La Abuela,” who plays a key role in training. Operating from Venezuelan territory, she is believed to coordinate camps where selected recruits receive instruction in drone operation, explosives handling, and combat tactics. Her long trajectory within the organization, beginning at a young age and evolving into senior leadership, positions her as a critical figure in shaping this new phase of the conflict.
The profile of those recruited into these schools reveals a consistent pattern: many come from vulnerable backgrounds with limited access to education and employment. This context facilitates recruitment by armed groups that now offer not only income, but also technical training—albeit directed toward violent ends.
From Catatumbo to Eastern Europe: suspicions of infiltration in the Ukraine war
One of the most concerning aspects of the clandestine drone schools in Colombia’s phenomenon is the potential link to international conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine. Although not conclusively confirmed, intelligence agencies have begun examining reports suggesting that individuals connected to Latin American criminal networks may be traveling to that conflict zone to gain advanced experience in drone warfare.
The war in Ukraine has become a global testing ground for drone technology, with rapid innovation in surveillance, strike capabilities, and electronic warfare. In that context, the possibility that foreign fighters might join as mercenaries to acquire skills is not far-fetched, especially given the strategic value of such expertise.
Some accounts indicate that these movements could be facilitated by transnational networks, allowing individuals to temporarily integrate into combat units, learn advanced tactics, and later return to their countries of origin. If confirmed, this would represent a significant transfer of knowledge that could accelerate the sophistication of armed groups in Colombia.
Statements from international figures have added to these concerns, referencing the possible presence of actors linked to illicit economies within the European conflict. While such claims require careful verification, they reflect a broader trend: the convergence of organized crime and global warfare dynamics.
Is regulation and state response enough to contain the threat?
In response to the growing use of drones in criminal and armed activities, Colombia’s Ministry of Defense announced new measures on April 3, 2026, aimed at controlling the illicit use of unmanned aerial systems. Authorities reported 195 incidents involving drones used for criminal purposes in 2025, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
According to the official statement issued, the new regulation requires advance submission of import declarations for tariff categories 88.06 and 88.07, which cover drones and related components. It also restricts the entry of these devices to two specific points: ports under the jurisdiction of the Cartagena customs authority and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport.
Additionally, authorities have banned the import of drones through postal services and express shipments, citing the risks these less-controlled channels pose to national security. The goal is to limit rapid and unmonitored access to such technology, though the effectiveness of these measures will depend on enforcement capacity in a context where criminal networks are highly adaptive.
Colombia’s armed conflict is being redefined
The expansion of clandestine drone schools in Colombia raises profound questions about the trajectory of Colombia’s armed conflict. Is the country prepared to confront a technologically evolving war? How can institutions adapt to a threat that combines technical expertise, transnational mobility, and low-cost, high-impact strategies?
There are also pressing concerns about the impact on communities. The possibility of aerial attacks introduces a new layer of fear, where threats can be constant yet invisible, further disrupting daily life in already vulnerable regions. From a policy perspective, the challenge is significant. Will regulatory measures be enough to curb access to these technologies? What role should international cooperation play in addressing a phenomenon that appears to cross borders?
Ultimately, this issue also forces reflection on the structural conditions that sustain recruitment. What real alternatives exist for young people being drawn into these networks? How can technological innovation be redirected toward development rather than violence? And to what extent could this new form of warfare prolong or intensify a conflict that Colombia has long sought to resolve?
The rise of clandestine drone schools in Colombia not only reshapes how war is fought but also demands a deeper reassessment of how peace and security are pursued in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.