Recent violent incidents in Colombia resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people, sparking concerns over the country's fragile peace and security ahead of upcoming elections. A car bomb in Cali claimed six lives, while a drone assault near Medellin killed 12 police officers, both incidents linked to dissident factions of the former Farc group.
Surge in Violence: 18 Killed in Dual Attacks in Colombia
Surge in Violence: 18 Killed in Dual Attacks in Colombia
Two devastating attacks in Colombia leave 18 dead and many injured, highlighting escalating security challenges.
At least 18 individuals lost their lives in two separate violent incidents in Colombia, marking a significant escalation in the nation's security crisis. A car bomb exploded on a busy street in Cali, leaving six dead and over 60 injured, while a drone attack targeting a police helicopter outside Medellin resulted in the deaths of 12 officers.
The attacks, attributed to different factions of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), signal fresh challenges to Colombia's delicate peace processes as the nation approaches elections next year. Alejandro Eder, the mayor of Cali, has implemented martial law in the city and imposed a temporary ban on large trucks entering the urban area while offering a $10,000 reward for information regarding the incidents.
In response to the attacks, President Gustavo Petro and military leaders have convened a security council to discuss enhanced protective measures for citizens. The Ministry of Defence affirmed on social media that terrorism would not be tolerated, promising that the perpetrators would face the full extent of the law.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Cali car bomb specifically targeted the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School, with civilians tragically caught in the crossfire. "There was a thunderous sound of something exploding near the air base," recounted one observer.
Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez labeled the incident as a "terrorist attack," pointing fingers at the narco cartel known as alias Mordisco, associated with Farc leader Ivan Mordisco. He described the attack as a desperate response to the Colombian security forces' efforts to regain control over drug trafficking in the region.
The separate attack on the police helicopter occurred during a mission aimed at eradicating coca leaf crops, a crucial component of cocaine production. Following the drone strike, the helicopter crashed, resulting in the tragic loss of all 12 officers onboard. Images from the scene depicted plumes of black smoke rising from a remote area near Amalfi in the north.
Sánchez also divulged that this attack was attributed to the EMC guerrilla group, recognized as the largest offshoot of Farc. Amid increasing violence in Colombia over recent months, the nation has witnessed intensified clashes between security forces, rebels, paramilitaries, and criminal gangs. Notably, there were 115 drone attacks recorded in 2024 alone, primarily executed by illegal armed groups. Just last week, three soldiers were reported killed in another explosive-laden drone attack in the southern parts of the country, underlining the escalating threat from these armed factions.
