17 Killed in Car Bomb & Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Thursday morning brought devastating news from Colombia as two separate attacks left at least 17 people dead. A car bomb exploded in the town of El Alto, Caldas, killing several civilians and security forces. In a separate incident, a police helicopter was shot down, resulting in the loss of lives of around 12 police officers. The attacks have been attributed to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group.
According to reports, the car bomb exploded on a main road in El Alto, a town located about 200 kilometers northwest of the capital city, Bogota. The blast caused significant damage to nearby buildings and vehicles, leaving many injured and several dead. The victims of the attack included both civilians and security forces, with the exact number of fatalities still unclear.
In a separate incident, a police helicopter was shot down in the town of Tame, Arauca, killing around 12 police officers on board. The helicopter was on a routine patrol mission when it came under attack, resulting in the loss of lives of some of Colombia’s bravest law enforcement officers.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro attributed both attacks to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group. The FARC, which was involved in a decades-long conflict with the Colombian government, demobilized in 2017 after a peace deal was reached.
The attacks are a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Colombia, despite the country making significant progress in recent years. The FARC dissidents, who are believed to be responsible for the attacks, have been involved in numerous violent incidents since the peace deal was signed.
The Colombian government has vowed to take strong action against those responsible for the attacks, with President Petro promising to “do everything necessary to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.” The government has also offered support to the families of the victims and has pledged to provide emergency aid to those affected by the attacks.
The attacks have sent shockwaves throughout Colombia, with many expressing outrage and sadness over the loss of life. The country’s citizens are still reeling from the news, with many calling for greater action to be taken against those responsible for the violence.
The international community has also condemned the attacks, with many countries offering their condolences to the people of Colombia. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, issued a statement expressing his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
As Colombia continues to grapple with the aftermath of these devastating attacks, it is clear that the country faces a long and difficult road ahead. However, with the support of its citizens and the international community, Colombia is likely to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
