17 Killed in Car Bomb and Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Colombia has been hit by a devastating double attack, leaving at least 17 people dead and many more injured. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, consisted of a car bomb explosion and a helicopter downing, both of which have been attributed to 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 Tumaco, in the southwestern department of Nariño. The blast occurred near a police station, causing widespread destruction and chaos. According to reports, at least 5 people were killed and 20 more were injured in the attack.
Meanwhile, a separate attack on a police helicopter in the town of Apartadó, in the northwestern department of Antioquia, claimed the lives of around 12 police officers. The helicopter was shot down, causing it to crash and resulting in the loss of life.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has attributed both attacks to dissidents of the FARC, a group that was once one of the most powerful guerrilla movements in the country. The FARC signed a peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016, bringing an end to more than five decades of conflict.
However, despite the peace agreement, many FARC dissidents have refused to disarm and have continued to engage in violent activities, including attacks on civilians and government forces.
The attack on the helicopter was particularly devastating, as it was carrying police officers who were on their way to provide security for a local festival. The crash of the helicopter was heard for miles around, and eyewitnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic”.
“It was like the end of the world,” said local resident Maria Rodriguez. “I was at home when I heard the explosion, and then I saw the helicopter crash. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was like a nightmare come true.”
The Colombian government has vowed to take action against the perpetrators of the attacks, and has launched an investigation into the incidents.
“We will not rest until those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice,” said President Petro. “We will not tolerate violence in our country, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those who engage in it are held accountable.”
The attacks have sent shockwaves through the country, and have left many Colombians feeling worried and scared.
“This is a very difficult time for our country,” said local resident Juan Sanchez. “We thought that with the peace agreement, we would be able to live in peace. But it seems that the violence has not stopped, and we are still living in fear.”
The Colombian government has pledged to increase security measures in the affected areas, and has called on citizens to remain calm and to cooperate with the authorities.
As the investigation into the attacks continues, many questions remain unanswered. Who was behind the attacks, and what was their motive? How did they manage to carry out such devastating attacks, and what can be done to prevent them from happening again?
One thing is certain, however: the people of Colombia will not be intimidated by the violence, and will continue to stand strong in the face of adversity.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
