Arauca's governor, Renson Jesús Martínez, was targeted in an armed attack on Monday morning while traveling on the road between Fortul and Tame. His official vehicle sustained multiple impacts, but he and his security team emerged unharmed. The incident took place in a border area with Venezuela plagued by ELN and FARC dissident presence.
The attack on Renson Jesús Martínez took place on the morning of Monday, November 10, 2025, along the road linking Fortul and Tame, a Venezuela-border area marked by the operations of illegal armed groups such as the ELN and FARC dissidents.
The governor's official vehicle was hit by multiple shots, yet Martínez and his security detail escaped without injury. Just hours earlier, five soldiers traveling in civilian attire had been kidnapped between Tame and Arauca. Arauca's governor's office condemned the abduction and demanded that those responsible activate humanitarian channels for the military personnel's release. Minutes later, the armed assault on the regional leader was officially confirmed.
Interior Minister Armando Benedetti strongly condemned the attack, describing it as "an aggression against institutionalism and governability." He noted that protection schemes for regional leaders and pre-candidates have been bolstered in recent months.
The National Federation of Departments urged the national government to expedite investigations into the incident and enhance security measures for regional authorities. This event highlights the ongoing security threats in Arauca, a border region facing constant challenges from armed actors.