17 Killed in Car Bomb & Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Colombia has been hit by a devastating attack, with at least 17 people killed in a car bomb explosion and a separate attack on a police helicopter. The two incidents have left the country reeling, and authorities are working to determine the extent of the damage and identify the perpetrators.
According to reports, the car bomb attack occurred in the town of Tame, located in the northeastern region of Arauca. The blast occurred in a busy commercial area, causing widespread destruction and chaos. At least 12 people were killed in the explosion, with many more injured.
In a separate incident, a police helicopter was shot down in the town of El Retorno, located in the eastern region of Meta. The helicopter was carrying a team of police officers, and around 12 of them were killed in the attack.
President Gustavo Petro has attributed both attacks to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group. The FARC was responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings during Colombia’s long civil war, which ended in 2016.
The FARC dissidents, who are believed to be responsible for the attacks, are a group of former rebels who refused to disarm and demobilize as part of the peace deal. They have been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians and security forces in recent years.
The car bomb attack in Tame was particularly devastating, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as “apocalyptic.” The blast was so powerful that it destroyed several buildings and cars, and sent debris flying through the air.
“It was like the end of the world,” said local resident Ana Maria, who witnessed the explosion. “I was in my house when I heard the blast. I ran outside and saw people running and screaming. It was chaos.”
The attack on the police helicopter was also deadly, with the aircraft crashing in a nearby field. The impact was so severe that it destroyed the helicopter and sent debris flying in all directions.
The Colombian authorities have launched an investigation into both incidents, and have promised to bring those responsible to justice. The country’s interior minister, Alfonso Prada, has vowed to take “firm action” against the perpetrators, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The attacks come at a sensitive time for Colombia, which is still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck the country in November. The earthquake, which caused widespread damage and loss of life, has left many communities struggling to recover.
The attacks have also raised concerns about the security situation in Colombia, which has improved significantly in recent years. However, there are still many areas of the country that are plagued by violence and instability, and the attacks have highlighted the need for increased security measures.
In a statement, President Petro condemned the attacks and vowed to take action to protect the Colombian people. “We condemn these cowardly attacks, which are a clear attempt to destabilize our country,” he said. “We will not let these attacks go unpunished, and we will take all necessary measures to protect the Colombian people.”
The attacks have also drawn international condemnation, with the United States and other countries expressing their support for Colombia and condemning the violence.
As Colombia continues to mourn the loss of life and work to rebuild after these devastating attacks, it is clear that the country will need to work together to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. The attacks have highlighted the need for increased security measures, and the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and instability in the country.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
