17 Killed in Car Bomb & Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Colombia has been plagued by violence in recent years, and on Thursday, the country suffered a devastating blow when a car bomb attack and an attack on a police helicopter left at least 17 people dead. The attacks were attributed to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group.
According to reports, the car bomb attack occurred in the town of El Alto, in the department of Caldas, where a truck bomb exploded in the town’s central square. The blast was so powerful that it caused widespread damage, leaving several buildings destroyed and many more injured. At least 5 people were killed in the blast, with many more injured.
In a separate incident, a police helicopter was attacked in the town of Tame, in the department of Arauca. The helicopter, which was on a mission to provide air support to ground troops, was struck by gunfire and crashed to the ground, killing around 12 police officers on board.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro attributed both attacks to dissidents of the FARC, a group that was once one of the country’s most powerful guerrilla organizations. The FARC signed a peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016, but many of its former fighters have refused to disarm and have continued to engage in armed activity.
The attacks come as a blow to the Colombian government’s efforts to reduce violence in the country. Colombia has been plagued by conflict for decades, with the FARC and other guerrilla groups, as well as drug traffickers and criminal organizations, engaging in violence and extorting money from civilians.
The car bomb attack in El Alto is particularly significant, as it highlights the threat posed by the FARC dissidents. The group has been responsible for several attacks in recent months, including the kidnapping of several journalists and the bombing of a police station.
The attack on the helicopter is also a major concern, as it highlights the vulnerability of the Colombian military to aerial attacks. The incident is a reminder of the need for the government to invest in improved air defenses and to provide better protection for its military personnel.
The Colombian government has vowed to take action against the FARC dissidents responsible for the attacks. President Petro has promised to increase security measures in the affected areas and to work with international partners to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The international community has also condemned the attacks. The United States, the European Union, and the Organization of American States have all issued statements expressing their condolences to the families of the victims and condemning the violence.
The attacks are a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Colombia. Despite the country’s progress in recent years, violence and instability remain major concerns. The government must continue to work to address these issues, and to provide better protection for its citizens.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
