In a shocking escalation of violence, at least 18 individuals have lost their lives and numerous others have been injured in two distinct attacks across Colombia, marking a troubling surge in the nation's ongoing security crisis.
The first incident occurred in the bustling city of Cali, where a devastating car bomb detonated, resulting in six casualties and injuring over 60 unsuspecting civilians on a busy street. Reports indicate that the bomb targeted the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School, with witnesses describing a deafening explosion that ripped through the area, damaging several homes and sending panic into the local populace.
Soon after, a separate drone strike took place near the northwestern city of Medellin, which claimed the lives of 12 police officers. This tragic incident unfolded as the helicopter was on a coca eradication mission. Eyewitness accounts and images shared online showed thick black smoke billowing from the crash site in a forested area of Amalfi.
The attacks are attributed to splinter groups from the formerly active Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), which complicates the nation’s already fragile peace and security landscape as elections loom in the near future. In response to these threats, Cali's mayor, Alejandro Eder, declared martial law for the city, introduced a temporary ban on large truck entries, and announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrators.
Both President Gustavo Petro and military leaders held an emergency meeting soon after the incidents, vowing to bolster security measures for the safety of citizens. The Ministry of Defence reinforced its commitment to combatting terrorism, promising to pursue justice for the heinous acts that have wreaked havoc on the community.
As violence escalates in Colombia, transparency and accountability remain crucial for restoring peace. With increasing prevalence of drone attacks – a staggering 115 recorded in previous years – the government faces a daunting challenge in reclaiming control over numerous regions plagued by drug trafficking and dissident violence.
