In a shocking turn of events, Colombia experienced two separate attacks that resulted in at least 18 fatalities and numerous injuries, intensifying the country’s ongoing security challenges. A car bomb explosion in Cali claimed the lives of six innocent people and injured over 60 others on a bustling street, while a drone strike targeting a police helicopter outside Medellin led to the deaths of at least 12 officers.
Authorities attribute these violent acts to dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). As a response, Cali's mayor has enforced martial law and called for the community to assist in reporting information, offering a reward of $10,000. President Gustavo Petro and military leaders promptly convened to discuss heightened security measures, emphasizing the commitment to combat terrorism and uphold public safety.
Eyewitness accounts describe the bomb blast as directed at a military aviation school, devastating nearby homes and leaving residents in shock. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the attack as an act of cowardice and connected it to criminal networks struggling with control over drug trafficking. The drone strike, aimed at eradicating coca crops used for cocaine production, further emphasizes the escalating violence linked to drug-related activities, with authorities noting a surge in drone attacks in the past year. The violence leads to growing concerns about Colombia's fragile peace as it heads toward crucial elections.
Authorities attribute these violent acts to dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). As a response, Cali's mayor has enforced martial law and called for the community to assist in reporting information, offering a reward of $10,000. President Gustavo Petro and military leaders promptly convened to discuss heightened security measures, emphasizing the commitment to combat terrorism and uphold public safety.
Eyewitness accounts describe the bomb blast as directed at a military aviation school, devastating nearby homes and leaving residents in shock. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the attack as an act of cowardice and connected it to criminal networks struggling with control over drug trafficking. The drone strike, aimed at eradicating coca crops used for cocaine production, further emphasizes the escalating violence linked to drug-related activities, with authorities noting a surge in drone attacks in the past year. The violence leads to growing concerns about Colombia's fragile peace as it heads toward crucial elections.
