Risked Life to Save 36 Soldiers from Landmine... Praise Pours in for One-Legged 'Hero' Samson

Transported to Hospital After Explosion and Underwent Amputation Surgery
To Be Honored as a 'Hero Dog' with an Honorary Discharge

A story from Colombia about a bomb detection dog that saved the lives of dozens of soldiers but lost one of its legs is moving many people. On July 15 (local time), Yonhap News TV, citing the Colombian Army and local media, reported on the story of Samson, a bomb detection dog that saved the lives of numerous soldiers. At around 10 a.m. on July 10, Samson, a German Shepherd belonging to the Colombian Army, detected a landmine while carrying out a military operation on a rural trail in Yondo, Antioquia. The mine had been planted by a faction of the ELN (National Liberation Army), a rebel group, and posed a deadly threat not only to soldiers but also to civilians.

Right after detecting the mine, Samson triggered the explosion, but in the process, suffered a severe injury to one of his legs. He then crawled on his own to his handler, Carlos, and was rescued before being immediately transported to a hospital, where he underwent an amputation surgery. Having completed his treatment, Samson is now resting and, fortunately, his life was saved. However, he will no longer be able to serve as a bomb detection dog in the field. The military plans to honor Samson as a 'hero dog' with an honorary discharge. The Colombian Army stated, "Because of Samson's sacrifice, we were able to save the lives of 36 soldiers and civilians who were passing through the area," adding, "Although he can no longer serve in active duty, Samson's courage and spirit of sacrifice will remain in the memories of the soldiers for a long time." As Samson's story spread through the media and social media, messages of support celebrating his actions have been pouring in online.

The ELN, which the Colombian Army has identified as being behind the landmine installation, is a terrorist organization fighting against the Colombian government and is composed of about 6,000 combatants. This landmine explosion occurred just a few days after another incident in the same region, in which a bomb attached to a donkey exploded, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to two others. ELN was also identified as being responsible for that attack. Authorities strongly criticized the recent attack, stating that it violated international humanitarian law and "put all civilians at risk."