Deadly Attacks Shake Colombia Amid Rising Coca Cultivation
A car bomb and attack on a police helicopter in Colombia killed at least 17 people. President Gustavo Petro attributed these to FARC dissidents. At least 12 officers died in a helicopter attack, and a vehicle explosion in Cali killed five. Coca cultivation is increasing.
- Country:
- Colombia
A deadly car bomb and a separate attack on a police helicopter in Colombia claimed at least 17 lives on Thursday, as reported by authorities. President Gustavo Petro linked these incidents to dissidents of the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
The helicopter attack in northern Colombia's Antioquia region resulted in the deaths of at least 12 police officers. Initially, President Petro reported eight fatalities, but Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián later confirmed four additional deaths, with three officers remaining injured. According to the governor, a drone targeted the helicopter over coca leaf crops, sparking a fire.
In another incident, a car bomb detonated near a military aviation school in southwest Cali, killing five and injuring over 30. The Colombian Air Force has yet to release further information. President Petro initially accused the Gulf Clan for the helicopter attack, suggesting it was retaliation for a cocaine seizure linked to the group. In a further development, an alleged FARC dissident was arrested near the explosion site.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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