A military dog is being hailed as a hero in Colombia after detecting a dangerous device planted by an armed group, which later exploded during an operation. The dog’s actions, though resulting in serious injuries, saved the lives of dozens of soldiers and local civilians.

The incident occurred just two days after another explosive device, attached to an animal, detonated in the same area — killing one soldier and injuring two others.

The bomb-sniffing dog, Sanson, was assisting troops during a reconnaissance mission in the mountainous Antioquia region in northwest Colombia when the device detonated, according to an army statement posted on social media. Authorities believe the device was planted along a community path by the armed group known as ELN (National Liberation Army).

Despite having one of his legs severely injured in the blast, Sanson managed to drag himself to his handler, soldier Carlos Eduardo Beleño.

“Our four-legged hero lost one of his limbs but saved the lives of 36 soldiers and hundreds of residents from La Raya hamlet in Yondó, Antioquia, who use this path daily,” the Army’s Second Division shared on social media.

Sanson is now recovering after surgery. Due to the extent of his injuries, one of his legs had to be amputated. A video released by the military shows Sanson receiving emergency medical care and later being treated at an animal hospital.

“He may no longer serve, but Sanson’s courage and legacy will live on in every soldier he protected,” the army stated.

The Colombian military has blamed the incident on ELN, a group of around 6,000 fighters currently in armed conflict with the government. Peace talks were suspended in January after ELN was accused of several deadly attacks near the Venezuelan border.

Officials condemned the act as a serious violation of international humanitarian law, putting civilians in direct danger.

The explosion came just days after a similar improvised device attached to an animal detonated in the same region, killing one soldier and injuring two more. ELN is also suspected in that case.

Earlier this month in Italy, a heroic sniffer dog — who helped locate nine missing people throughout his career — tragically died after consuming food that had been deliberately laced with harmful objects, prompting national outrage and a police investigation.