At least three Colombian soldiers have been killed and four others injured following an attack on a military compound attributed to the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN).

The Colombian army said the attack took place on Friday night in the municipality of Ocana, in the Norte de Santander department, which borders Venezuela. Two soldiers were killed during the clashes, and a third died after receiving medical attention.

Authorities said drones dropped explosives onto the compound before fighting broke out inside the facility. According to a security official cited by sources, at least 20 drones loaded with explosives were used in the attack.

President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the assault in a statement on social media. "To the ELN I say with absolute clarity: for every police officer or soldier you kill, I will bring down on you the full weight and legitimate force of the State," he said.

The attack occurred in the northeastern Catatumbo region, where the ELN is based and where the government has been conducting military raids against armed groups.

De la Espriella won office pledging to return Colombia to militarised confrontation with armed groups and criminal organisations that have competed for influence across the country. Critics have raised concerns that the approach could lead to increased violence and potential human rights abuses.

Deadly attacks by armed groups have continued since his inauguration.

The president has also promised closer ties with the United States, which has sought to expand its military involvement in the region under the so-called "Shield of the Americas" initiative. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with de la Espriella in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla next week.