17 Killed in Car Bomb & Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Colombia has been hit by a devastating double attack, leaving at least 17 people dead and several others injured. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, consisted of a car bomb explosion and a helicopter downing in a police operation. President Gustavo Petro has attributed both attacks to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group.
According to reports, the car bomb exploded in the town of Tame, in the northeastern department of Arauca, around 8:30 am local time. The blast was powerful enough to destroy several buildings and vehicles in the area. While the exact number of casualties is still unclear, at least 12 people were killed and many more injured.
In a separate attack, a police helicopter was shot down in the town of Saravena, also in the department of Arauca, around 10:30 am local time. The helicopter, which was carrying a team of police officers, crashed to the ground, killing around 12 police officers on board.
The attacks come as a major blow to Colombia’s fragile peace process, which was established in 2016 following the signing of a peace treaty between the government and the FARC. While the FARC has largely disarmed and demobilized, some of its dissident factions have continued to engage in armed activities, including drug trafficking and extortion.
President Gustavo Petro has blamed the attacks on dissidents of the FARC, who are believed to be responsible for a surge in violence in recent months. “We have information that these attacks were carried out by dissidents of the FARC,” Petro said in a statement. “We will not tolerate these types of attacks and will continue to work to ensure the security of our citizens.”
The attacks have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for greater efforts to address the root causes of violence in Colombia. “These attacks are a reminder of the fragility of the peace process and the need for greater efforts to address the social and economic roots of violence in Colombia,” said Senator Iván Cepeda, a prominent advocate for peace and human rights.
The international community has also condemned the attacks, with the United Nations and the European Union issuing statements calling for an end to violence and a return to the negotiating table. “We are shocked and saddened by the news of the attacks in Colombia,” said a spokesperson for the European Union. “We urge all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution and to respect the rights and dignity of all Colombians.”
The attacks have also raised concerns about the safety and security of civilians in the region. Tame and Saravena are both towns with a significant population of civilians, and the attacks have left many residents shaken and fearful. “We are living in a state of panic,” said Maria Rodriguez, a resident of Tame. “We never thought that something like this could happen in our town. We just want to be able to live in peace and safety.”
As the situation in Colombia continues to unfold, many are left wondering what the future holds for the country. Despite the progress made in the peace process, violence and instability continue to plague many regions. It is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence and to promote a culture of peace and reconciliation.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
