(Colombia, 11th) A series of bomb attacks in southwestern Colombia have resulted in at least seven deaths.
According to AFP, on Tuesday (June 10th), 24 coordinated bomb and shooting attacks took place in Colombia's third-largest city, Cali, and several surrounding towns. Targets of the attacks included police posts, municipal buildings, and civilian facilities.
National police chief Fernando said the suspects used car bombs, motorcycle bombs, rifle shootings, and possibly drones. Seven people have died so far, including two police officers and several civilians, with another 28 injured.
Police and experts believe these attacks were carried out by the anti-government armed group “Estado Mayor Central.”
“Estado Mayor Central” is the largest faction of the former largest anti-government armed group in Colombia, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). FARC signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016 and officially announced the establishment of a political party in 2017. However, some members opposed the ceasefire with the government and formed separate branches, among which “Estado Mayor Central” is included.
International Crisis Group security expert Dickinson said this was a highly organized offensive, “truly demonstrating the capabilities of this organization.” She told AFP, “More worryingly, it shows they have the ability to operate in the Cali metropolitan area.”
Colombian President Petro has made multiple attempts to reach a peace agreement with “Estado Mayor Central” and other armed organizations, but all have failed.
Three days before this bombing attack, Colombian Senator Uribe was shot twice in the head at a campaign rally in the capital, Bogotá. Interior Minister Benedetti said the government has received unverified evidence that suggests guerrillas may be behind the attack.
The attempted assassination of Uribe has put Colombia on high alert. Many Colombians now fear the country may return to the violent era of the 1980s and 90s when drug cartel attacks, guerrilla violence, and political assassinations were commonplace.
On Tuesday, “Estado Mayor Central” issued a statement warning the public to stay away from military and police facilities but did not claim responsibility for the series of attacks that day.
According to AFP, on Tuesday (June 10th), 24 coordinated bomb and shooting attacks took place in Colombia's third-largest city, Cali, and several surrounding towns. Targets of the attacks included police posts, municipal buildings, and civilian facilities.
National police chief Fernando said the suspects used car bombs, motorcycle bombs, rifle shootings, and possibly drones. Seven people have died so far, including two police officers and several civilians, with another 28 injured.
Police and experts believe these attacks were carried out by the anti-government armed group “Estado Mayor Central.”
“Estado Mayor Central” is the largest faction of the former largest anti-government armed group in Colombia, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). FARC signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016 and officially announced the establishment of a political party in 2017. However, some members opposed the ceasefire with the government and formed separate branches, among which “Estado Mayor Central” is included.
International Crisis Group security expert Dickinson said this was a highly organized offensive, “truly demonstrating the capabilities of this organization.” She told AFP, “More worryingly, it shows they have the ability to operate in the Cali metropolitan area.”
Colombian President Petro has made multiple attempts to reach a peace agreement with “Estado Mayor Central” and other armed organizations, but all have failed.
Three days before this bombing attack, Colombian Senator Uribe was shot twice in the head at a campaign rally in the capital, Bogotá. Interior Minister Benedetti said the government has received unverified evidence that suggests guerrillas may be behind the attack.
The attempted assassination of Uribe has put Colombia on high alert. Many Colombians now fear the country may return to the violent era of the 1980s and 90s when drug cartel attacks, guerrilla violence, and political assassinations were commonplace.
On Tuesday, “Estado Mayor Central” issued a statement warning the public to stay away from military and police facilities but did not claim responsibility for the series of attacks that day.