Colombia Rocked by Bombings, Shootings: 7 Dead, 28 Injured – Fears of Guerrilla Warfare Return

Colombia Rocked by Bombings and Shootings

A wave of coordinated attacks has struck southwestern Colombia, leaving a trail of destruction and raising concerns about a return to the violence of the 1990s.

The Attacks

On Tuesday, 24 coordinated bombings and gun attacks resulted in at least 7 deaths and 28 injuries. Authorities are pointing fingers at dissident guerrilla fighters, with security experts labeling the events as a "well-coordinated offensive."

Targets included police posts, municipal buildings, and civilian areas in Cali and nearby towns such as Villa Rica, Guachinte, and Corinto. Car bombs, motorcycle bombs, drones, and gunfire were all employed in the attacks. Reports indicate extensive damage to infrastructure, with charred vehicles and debris littering the streets.

"There are two police officers dead, and a number of members of the public are also dead," stated National Police chief Carlos Fernando Triana.

Context and Suspects

These attacks follow closely on the heels of an attempted assassination of conservative senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe in Bogotá, further fueling fears of a resurgence in guerrilla warfare. Security analysts suspect the Central General Staff (EMC), a breakaway faction of the FARC rebel group, is responsible. Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group noted the group's demonstrated capacity and ability to conduct operations in metropolitan areas.

It's suggested the attacks may be in retaliation for military operations against the EMC's leader, Iván Mordisco.

Political Fallout

President Gustavo Petro, whose peace overtures to armed groups have repeatedly failed, is facing growing criticism over perceived security lapses.