Deadly Car Bomb Explosion Strikes Cali, Colombia
BOGOTA — A devastating car bomb explosion rocked the bustling streets of Cali in western Colombia, leaving at least five people dead and dozens injured, authorities confirmed.
The blast targeted the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School in the city’s north, resulting in 36 reported injuries, as stated by police.
Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali swiftly denounced the attack and announced a reward for any information leading to the apprehension of those responsible.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on the same day, a brutal attack on a police helicopter in a rural area near Medellin claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals.
In response to these heinous acts, the president and military leaders have called for a security council meeting to strategize additional protective measures for the public.
“The state will stand firm against terrorism. Those behind these crimes will face the full extent of the law,” the Ministry of Defence emphasized on social media.
Witnesses described the aftermath of the car bomb in Cali as chaotic, with civilian casualties strewn across the street and numerous buildings sustaining damage.
“The sound of the explosion near the air base was deafening,” recounted one eyewitness to AFP news agency.
Following the attacks, multiple buildings and schools were evacuated, and the mayor implemented a ban on large trucks entering the city.
Labeling the blast as a “terrorist attack,” Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez attributed the violence to the narco cartel alias Mordisco, allegedly led by guerrilla commander Ivan Mordisco of the now-defunct Farc group.
“This cowardly assault on civilians is a desperate response to the dwindling control over drug trafficking in various regions. The Public Force has effectively neutralized a significant portion of this threat,” Sánchez stated via social media.
Regarding the helicopter incident, President Gustavo Petro revealed that the aircraft was engaged in an operation to eradicate coca leaf crops, a key ingredient in cocaine production, when it was targeted by a drone.
At least 12 fatalities were reported, including police officers, though the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear.
Social media images depicted dense black smoke rising from a forested area in Amalfi, situated in the country’s northern region.
Sánchez implicated the EMC guerrilla group, an offshoot of Farc, in the helicopter attack.
Colombia has witnessed a surge in violence in recent months, marked by clashes between security forces and dissident rebels, paramilitary units, or drug traffickers.
Drone attacks have also become a prevalent threat in the nation, with 2024 recording 115 such incidents, predominantly orchestrated by illegal armed factions.
Just last week, three soldiers fell victim to a drone attack in the south-western part of Colombia, where explosive devices were deployed on navy and army personnel manning a checkpoint.— BBC
