At least four individuals have lost their lives in a series of violent attacks across southwestern Colombia, which authorities believe may be linked to illegal armed groups. The assaults have sparked fear reminiscent of the country's turbulent past.
Surge of Violence in Colombia Leaves Four Dead Amid Escalating Attacks
Surge of Violence in Colombia Leaves Four Dead Amid Escalating Attacks
A series of coordinated bomb and gun assaults in southwestern Colombia has resulted in at least four fatalities, prompting concerns over increasing insecurity.
At least four people have lost their lives due to a shocking surge of violence in south-western Colombia, with local sources reporting a series of bomb and gun attacks across various locations, including Cali, the nation’s third-largest city. Among the deceased were two police officers, as reports indicated that car bombs, motorcycle devices, rifle fire, and even a suspected drone attack were employed during these incidents.
The Colombian Ministry of Defence confirmed that a total of 19 distinct attacks had taken place, marking a significant escalation in violence that has left numerous others injured. Although local media have linked these attacks to a splinter faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the BBC has not yet managed to independently confirm this connection.
Targets of the assaults included police stations, municipal buildings, and civilian areas, raising alarms about a deepening security crisis in Colombia. In a statement shared via social media, the Ministry of Defence described the incidents as "a desperate reaction by illegal armed groups" following extensive military operations aimed at dismantling their illicit activities and economies.
Cali's mayor expressed a grave view of the state of affairs, likening the current situation to the violent era of 1989, dominated by drug trade and cartel-related violence. This wave of attacks has struck just days after an attempted assassination of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in Bogotá, adding to the sense of insecurity permeating the region.
During that incident, a 15-year-old suspect was apprehended, with authorities noting he has not accepted charges of attempted murder and illegal firearm possession. A judge has since ordered his detention, as tensions in Colombia continue to escalate amidst these alarming developments.
