17 Killed in Car Bomb & Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Colombia has been hit by a devastating double attack, which has left at least 17 people dead. The twin attacks, which occurred on Thursday, have sent shockwaves across the country and have been attributed to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group.
According to reports, a car bomb exploded in the city of Tumaco, located in the southwestern department of Nariño, killing at least 5 people. The bomb was detonated in a busy commercial area, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
In a separate attack, a police helicopter was shot down in the town of El Charco, located in the northeastern department of Arauca. The attack killed around 12 police officers, including the pilot and crew members.
The attacks have been widely condemned by government officials and human rights organizations. President Gustavo Petro, who took office in August, attributed both attacks to dissidents of the FARC, saying that the group has been trying to destabilize the country.
“We know that the FARC dissidents are behind these attacks,” President Petro said in a statement. “We will not tolerate these types of actions and we will take all necessary measures to ensure the security and stability of our country.”
The FARC was a powerful guerrilla group that was involved in a decades-long conflict with the Colombian government. The group signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016, which led to the disarmament of its fighters and the integration of many of its former members into civilian life.
However, since the signing of the peace agreement, some former FARC fighters have refused to disarm and have instead formed new groups, which have been involved in various forms of violence, including drug trafficking and attacks on civilians.
The attacks in Tumaco and El Charco are the latest in a series of violent incidents that have occurred in Colombia in recent months. The country has been struggling to maintain peace and stability in the wake of the FARC’s disarmament, and the recent attacks have raised concerns about the country’s security situation.
The attack on the helicopter is particularly significant, as it marks one of the deadliest attacks on the Colombian military in recent years. The helicopter was on a routine mission when it was shot down, and the loss of life is a stark reminder of the risks faced by Colombian security forces.
The car bomb attack in Tumaco is also a cause for concern, as it highlights the fact that Colombian cities are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The bomb was detonated in a busy commercial area, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
The attacks have also raised concerns about the role of drug trafficking in Colombia’s violence. The FARC was involved in the drug trade during its guerrilla days, and many of its former fighters have continued to be involved in the trade since the group’s disarmament.
The Colombian government has been working to combat drug trafficking, but the recent attacks have highlighted the challenges it faces in this area. The government has vowed to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and stability of the country, and has called on citizens to remain calm and to continue to support the country’s peace efforts.
In conclusion, the attacks in Tumaco and El Charco are a stark reminder of the challenges facing Colombia as it seeks to maintain peace and stability in the wake of the FARC’s disarmament. The country has made significant progress in recent years, but the recent attacks highlight the fact that there is still much work to be done to ensure the security and stability of all Colombians.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
