Terror attack on Colombian pipeline triggers major oil spill in Arauca River VIDEO

An act of sabotage targeting Colombia’s Bicentenario oil pipeline has resulted in a significant oil spill into the Caranal River in the Arauca department, according to a report published on May 29 by Ultima Hora Caracol (UHC).

The breach in the pipeline’s integrity, attributed to a terrorist attack, caused crude oil to leak into the river. Authorities have yet to identify the individuals responsible. While investigations are underway, the Colombian national army has cordoned off the area to secure the site and facilitate the work of technical teams responding to the incident.

As a consequence of the spill, the waters of the Caranal River became contaminated, prompting officials to urge residents of Palmarito — a rural village within the Fortul municipality — to steer clear of the affected zone. UHC noted that a film of oil has coated the river’s surface for several kilometres.

⚡#Oil poisons river after #terroristattack on pipeline in #Colombia.

Several kilometers of the #Arauca River are covered in an oil film. Clumps of toxic fuel are washing up on the shore. Local farmers report crop losses and oil pollution in tributaries. pic.twitter.com/a8CBqX1Yew

— News.Az (@news_az) May 30, 2025

The contamination also spread downstream into the Arauca River, with toxic oil fouling both banks. Local farmers have reported damage to crops and pollution of water sources they rely on for agricultural and domestic use.

Operations at the Bicentenario pipeline have been halted following the blast, which was reportedly carried out by unidentified assailants.

News of the attack broke earlier the same day. Cenit, the company that operates the pipeline, did not specify the exact timing of the explosion but confirmed that it is working in coordination with emergency services and the army to clean and secure the affected area.

Residents have been warned not to approach the impacted section of the pipeline until repairs are completed, and they have also been advised to refrain from using water from the Caranal River due to safety concerns.

By Tamilla Hasanova