17 Killed in Car Bomb & Attack on Helicopter in Colombia
Colombia has been plagued by violence and terrorism for decades, and on Thursday, the country witnessed yet another devastating attack. At least 17 people lost their lives in a car bomb attack and a separate attack on a police helicopter in the country. The attacks have sent shockwaves across the nation, and President Gustavo Petro has attributed both incidents to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC, a now-defunct leftist guerrilla group.
The car bomb attack took place in the city of Tumaco, located in the southwestern department of Nariño. According to reports, a truck laden with explosives detonated near a police station, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The blast was so powerful that it shattered windows and damaged nearby buildings. The authorities have confirmed that at least 5 people were killed in the attack, with many more injured.
In a separate incident, a police helicopter was shot down in the department of Cauca, resulting in the deaths of around 12 police officers. The helicopter was on a mission to provide air support to ground troops when it came under attack. The authorities believe that the attack was carried out by dissidents of the FARC, who have been responsible for several violent incidents in recent months.
President Gustavo Petro has condemned the attacks, vowing to take decisive action against those responsible. In a statement, the president said, “We will not rest until we capture and punish those responsible for these heinous crimes.” The president has also ordered an investigation into the attacks, promising to provide support to the families of the victims.
The attacks have sent a wave of panic across Colombia, with many residents expressing concern about the growing violence in the country. The attacks also come at a sensitive time, with Colombia preparing to hold presidential elections in May.
The FARC, once one of the largest guerrilla groups in Colombia, signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016, leading to the disarmament of its fighters. However, many former FARC fighters have refused to lay down their arms, instead opting to continue fighting as dissidents.
The attacks are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Colombia, a country that has made significant progress in recent years but still struggles with violence and instability. The government has been working to address the root causes of the violence, including poverty, inequality, and political instability.
The international community has also condemned the attacks, with many countries expressing solidarity with Colombia. The United States, a key ally of Colombia, has pledged to provide support to the country in its fight against terrorism.
As the investigation into the attacks continues, the Colombian people are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones and to wonder when the violence will end. The attacks serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of addressing the underlying causes of violence.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/colombia-truck-bomb-helicopter-downing-kill-at-least-17/a-73726663
