The Command of the Eighteenth Brigade, a military unit of the Eighth Division of the National Army, reports:
1. In the early hours of this Thursday, February 3, 2022, units of the Engineering Battalion No.18 who were carrying out a control patrol, providing security to civilians in the municipality of Fortul, Arauca, were victims of the activation of an explosive charge planted by terrorists of the Organized Armed Group ELN.
2. In this criminal operation, which violates the international humanitarian law and violates human rights, one of our soldiers, identified as Edilson Yovani Roncancio Carrillo, 29, was sadly killed. In the same criminal operation two more soldiers were injured, who at this time are being assisted by medical personnel to be taken by air to a specialized medical center.
3. At present, operations continue to be conducted to find the whereabouts of the perpetrators of this cowardly act. We heavily reject this attack on our military personnel and the corresponding denunciations will be filed.
4. We deeply regret the death of our soldier who served Colombia with honor, protecting the Araucan inhabitants. We send a message of condolences to the loved ones and partners of our soldier Roncancio.