How AI and Drones Are Changing Conflict in ColombiaCEFR A2
25 Apr 2026
Adapted from Liam Anderson, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Jaime Maldonado, Unsplash
Colombia has faced violence for decades and new technologies are changing the conflict. Since 2024 some armed groups have used modified commercial drones to attack police and military positions. These low-cost drones caused many injuries and deaths, and they show how groups adapt simple tools.
The government began creating a national anti-drone shield in 2025 to detect and stop drones. Security forces also adopt tools that use real-time data to place officers where crime is higher. In 2023 AI-generated audio and video were used in regional elections, and social apps have been used to spread accusations and target community leaders.
Difficult words
- conflict — a situation with fighting between groups
- modify — to change something a littlemodified
- drone — an aircraft without a pilot on boarddrones
- shield — a device to protect from danger
- detect — to discover or notice something
- accusation — a statement that someone did wrongaccusations
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think anti-drone shields can reduce attacks? Why or why not?
- Have you seen fake audio or video online? How did it make you feel?
- Why is it useful to place officers where crime is higher?
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