How AI and Drones Are Changing Conflict in ColombiaCEFR B1
25 Apr 2026
Adapted from Liam Anderson, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Jaime Maldonado, Unsplash
Colombia’s long-running armed conflict is changing as new technologies spread across regions. Since 2024 several non-state armed groups have used modified commercial drones to attack police stations and military positions with explosives, leaving hundreds of uniformed personnel injured or killed. These low-cost devices do not use AI but show how armed actors adapt commercial tools and alter the tactical balance. In other conflicts, drones appear in more complex, mass-produced systems.
From 2025 the state moved to respond by creating a national anti-drone shield. This hybrid platform mixes sensors, data processing and human decisions to detect and counter threats. Security institutions also adopt algorithmic tools: the Police Service Model, adopted in 2024, aims for focused deployment using real-time data, and the Colombian Aerospace Force uses surveillance systems to build risk models for conflict zones.
Digital manipulation is also growing. In 2023 AI-generated audio and video were used during regional elections to impersonate candidates and other figures. Closed messaging groups and anonymous social profiles have amplified accusations and produced digital blacklists tied to threats, forced displacement and targeted killings.
Difficult words
- conflict — a violent disagreement between groups or states
- drone — small unmanned aircraft controlled remotelydrones
- modify — to change something in form or functionmodified
- explosive — a substance that can explode and damageexplosives
- hybrid platform — a system combining different tools and methods
- sensor — a device that detects physical informationsensors
- algorithmic — related to computer programs that make decisions
- impersonate — to pretend to be another person online
- blacklist — a list marking people as untrusted or dangerousblacklists
- displacement — the forced movement of people from homes
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might an anti-drone shield change safety for police and civilians in conflict areas?
- What problems can digital blacklists and impersonation cause during elections and community life?
- What actions could local communities or authorities take to reduce harm from cheap drones and online manipulation?
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