At least 18 dead after cartel-linked attacks in Colombia

An explosion occurred after several trucks filled with explosives were parked at an air base in Cali, western Colombia. This is reported by El Tiempo, which calls the attack “the worst terrorist attack since 2019”. Six people died and 65 were injured.

Recently, a police helicopter was shot down in the northeastern parts of the country, killing twelve police officers, reports the AP. According to the AP, the attacks constitute the country’s most serious security crisis in decades.

Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez links the guerrilla group EMC to the attacks, which points to a gathering of forces by violent groups linked to drug cartels in the country.

Military takes Cali after attacks in Colombia

The mayor of Cali, Colombia, Alejandro Eder, has ordered the militarization of the city after the attack on an airfield there, reports CNN.

At least 18 people were killed and 65 injured in that attack and a separate attack on a police helicopter, both linked to cartels in the country.

On Friday, the possibility of declaring a national state of emergency was discussed. However, this was ruled out by Colombian President Gustavo Petro after a meeting with the country's security council.