In brief
At least 18 people have died and many more are injured following two separate violent attacks in Colombia, marking a significant escalation in the country’s longstanding security issues. A car bomb detonated in the bustling city of Cali, resulting in six fatalities and over 60 injuries, while a drone strike on a police helicopter in a rural area near Medellin claimed a further 12 lives.
The bomb attack in Cali is believed to have specifically targeted the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School, causing extensive damage to nearby structures. This incident has prompted the mayor, Alejandro Eder, to implement martial law, as well as restrictions on large trucks entering the city, while offering rewards for information regarding the attacks.Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that significant security measures would be reviewed following the incidents, affirming the government’s determination to confront terrorism with rigorous enforcement of the law. The Ministry of Defence has condemned the attacks, with Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez labeling the car bomb event as a "terrorist attack" orchestrated by dissident factions, notably the narco cartel led by Ivan Mordisco.The drone attack on the police helicopter, which occurred as part of an anti-cocaine operation, has further complicated Colombia's fragile peace process as it comes amid rising violence associated with drug trafficking and rebel activity. This attack involved the EMC guerrilla group, identified as the largest faction stemming from the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).This recent surge in violence reflects a troubling trend, as Colombia recorded an increasing number of drone attacks, with 115 occurring in 2024 alone. Following these violent events, there are growing concerns surrounding national security and civilian safety in the face of a deteriorating peace situation.
