At least 18 individuals have lost their lives and numerous others have been left injured in two distinct attacks across Colombia, marking a profound escalation in the country’s ongoing security issues. A car bomb detonated on a bustling street in Cali resulted in the death of six people and more than 60 injuries, according to local authorities. Earlier in the day, a separate drone attack downed a police helicopter in a rural vicinity near Medellin, claiming the lives of at least 12 officers.
These assaults, linked to rival factions from the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), pose significant challenges to Colombia’s already precarious peace negotiations, especially with forthcoming elections on the horizon. In response to the surge in violence, Alejandro Eder, the mayor of Cali, has implemented martial law in the city and has placed a temporary restriction on large trucks. He has also incentivized the public to provide information regarding the bombings, offering a reward of $10,000.
In the aftermath of the attacks, both the president and military leaders have convened a security council to devise more protective measures for citizens. The Ministry of Defence has explicitly stated that “the state will not yield to terrorism,” promising to pursue those responsible with rigor. Eyewitness accounts describe the explosion in Cali as a harrowing event, with details revealing that it specifically targeted the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School, leading to the destruction of nearby homes and panic among civilians.
Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez has labeled the incident a "terrorist attack," attributing the violence to a criminal faction led by Ivan Mordisco, who is connected to local drug trafficking issues. Regarding the police helicopter incident, which occurred while the aircraft attempted to eliminate coca leaf crops—an essential component in cocaine production—President Gustavo Petro regretted the loss of life as he condemned the perpetrators.
Colombia's recent trends point towards increasing violence, with clashes involving dissident groups, paramilitary forces, and narcotics traffickers becoming more frequent. The use of drone strikes has reportedly surged, with at least 115 separate incidents recorded in 2024 alone. Growing concerns arise as these attacks lead to heightened military engagement with illegal armed factions, raising the stakes for both security forces and civilians alike. Last week’s deadly drone attack on military personnel further exemplified the dangers faced by those tasked with maintaining order.
