Colombia was shaken by a series of 24 coordinated bomb and gun attacks that ravaged the country’s southwest, leaving at least seven people dead on a fateful Tuesday in June 2025. The incidents deepened a security crisis that has been unsettling the Andean nation. The attackers targeted various locations in Cali, the country’s third-largest city, as well as several nearby towns, striking police posts, municipal buildings, and civilian areas.
National Police chief Carlos Fernando Triana revealed that the assailants, believed to be a local guerrilla group, employed car bombs, motorcycle bombs, rifle fire, and a suspected drone in their violent spree. The aftermath of the attacks was grim, with two police officers and multiple civilians losing their lives, and 28 others sustaining injuries. The scenes in Cali and the affected towns of Villa Rica, Guachinte, and Corinto were haunting, with AFP journalists witnessing the aftermath of destruction – twisted metal remnants of vehicle bombs, scorched debris, and damaged structures.
These tragic events unfolded mere days after a bold assassination attempt on a presidential candidate in Bogota, further fueling anxiety and tension across the country. Memories of the violence that plagued Colombia in the 1980s and 1990s, characterized by cartel warfare, guerrilla activities, and political killings, resurfaced, instilling fear among the populace.
Interior Minister Armando Benedetti disclosed that the government had obtained unverified information hinting at potential guerrilla involvement in the attack on Senator Miguel Uribe. The impact of the violence hit home for residents like Luz Amparo in Corinto, whose bakery was gutted in the blast. Recounting the harrowing experience, she described the chaos and devastation that unfolded in her neighborhood, reflecting the shock and trauma inflicted by such senseless acts of violence.
Security expert Elizabeth Dickinson from the International Crisis Group shed light on the probable culprits behind the attacks, pointing towards a faction of the former FARC guerrilla group known as the Central General Staff (EMC). Dickinson emphasized the sophistication and coordination displayed by the group, underscoring their ability to operate within urban areas like Cali. The failed attempts by President Gustavo Petro to broker peace agreements with EMC and other armed factions underscored the challenges in addressing Colombia’s deep-rooted conflicts.
The EMC, while refraining from directly claiming responsibility, issued a warning urging the public to steer clear of military and police installations. The timing of these assaults, closely following the attempted assassination of Senator Uribe, brought to the forefront pressing questions about security measures, potential motives, and the overall state of law enforcement in the country. President Petro’s speculations on external influences behind the attack and concerns regarding the adequacy of security measures added another layer of complexity to the unfolding crisis.
As Colombia grapples with the aftermath of these violent incidents, citizens are left pondering the implications for their safety and the nation’s stability. The resilience and resolve of the Colombian people in the face of such adversity will be tested, as authorities work to apprehend those responsible and prevent further bloodshed. The recent wave of violence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that persist in achieving lasting peace and security in the region, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of conflict and build a more peaceful future.
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