The U.S. Embassy in Colombia has warned Americans to avoid Norte de Santander Department, a region in the country’s northeast bordering Venezuela, citing an elevated risk of attacks by armed groups using drones rigged with explosives.
The warning, posted Sept. 29, tells U.S. citizens to stay out of the department and to avoid coming within 5 miles of the Colombia-Venezuela border because of crime, kidnapping and ongoing conflict between armed groups operating in the area.
Among the groups named is the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, which the United States designates as a foreign terrorist organization.
“Groups in the Catatumbo region have repeatedly used commercially available drones fitted with explosives, often combined with rifle fire, to attack police substations and military installations,” the embassy said in its statement.
Officials added that these groups “may conduct attacks with little or no warning against police stations, government buildings, military installations and related infrastructure in Norte de Santander Department.”
The embassy advised Americans in the area to maintain a low profile and stay alert. “Exercise heightened vigilance, particularly near police stations, government buildings, military installations and along major roads,” the statement said, adding that people should “not confront armed individuals.”
Americans were also told to avoid crowds and demonstrations and to monitor local media for security updates. Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia for comment.
The warning for Norte de Santander comes alongside broader State Department guidance issued in recent months urging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to all other regions of Colombia.
Colombia, widely known for its natural landscapes, cities and culture, continues to contend with crime, terrorism and violence tied to illegal armed groups. In August, the country was also struck by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in its western region that killed at least 289 people and destroyed more than 26,000 homes. That disaster occurred as U.S. officials were already urging Americans to reconsider travel to Colombia because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.
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