17 Killed in Car Bomb & Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Colombia has faced numerous challenges in recent years, from drug trafficking to ongoing conflicts between government forces and rebel groups. Unfortunately, the country has experienced yet another devastating attack, leaving at least 17 people dead. On Thursday, a car bomb exploded in a town in the southwestern department of Cauca, while a police helicopter was also attacked in a separate incident. The attacks are believed to have been carried out by dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group.
The car bomb attack took place in the town of Silvia, which is located in the Cauca department. According to reports, the explosive device was detonated in a public area, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The attack is believed to have been carried out by a group of dissidents who have been linked to the FARC, which was a major rebel group in Colombia until it demobilized in 2017.
In addition to the car bomb attack, a police helicopter was also targeted in a separate incident. The helicopter, which was on a mission to provide medical assistance to a community in the Cauca department, was shot down by unidentified attackers. The attack killed around 12 police officers, according to reports.
The attacks have been widely condemned by Colombian authorities and international organizations. President Gustavo Petro, who took office in August, has attributed both attacks to dissidents of the FARC. “We will not allow the return of terrorism to our country,” Petro said in a statement. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the security and well-being of all Colombians.”
The FARC was a major rebel group in Colombia for over five decades, fighting against the government and engaging in various forms of violence, including kidnapping and drug trafficking. The group demobilized in 2017 after signing a peace agreement with the government, but some dissident groups have continued to operate, carrying out attacks on government forces and civilians.
The attacks in Cauca are not the first of their kind in Colombia. The country has faced a surge in violence in recent years, with various groups, including FARC dissidents, drug traffickers, and right-wing paramilitaries, engaging in armed conflicts. The violence has led to the displacement of thousands of people, with many more living in fear of being caught in the crossfire.
The international community has also condemned the attacks, with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, calling for an end to the violence. “The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the recent violence in Colombia, including the car bomb attack and the shooting down of a police helicopter,” a statement from the UN read. “He calls on all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.”
The attacks in Cauca are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Colombia. Despite the country’s efforts to rebuild and reform, violence and instability continue to plague many areas. The government, with the support of the international community, must work to address the root causes of the violence and to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.
As the situation in Colombia continues to unfold, it is clear that the country faces a long and difficult road ahead. The attacks on Thursday have left at least 17 people dead, and many more injured. The international community must continue to stand with Colombia, providing support and assistance as the country works to rebuild and move forward.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
