Colombia Faces Multiple Deadly Attacks in Cali, Antioquia Amid Rising FARC Dissident Violence

On August 21, 2025, Cali, Colombia, experienced a devastating terrorist attack involving two explosions near the Marco Fidel Suárez military air base, resulting in at least six deaths, including a child, and dozens injured. The attack targeted a busy commercial area and appears linked to dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), particularly the Central General Staff (EMC) led by Iván Mordisco, who has been blamed by President Gustavo Petro and authorities for this and a related attack on a police helicopter in Antioquia that killed at least 12 police officers. The mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, condemned the bombing and announced a reward for information on the perpetrators, while President Petro pledged to designate EMC and related groups as terrorist organizations. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Colombia, emphasizing opposition to terrorism and violence. Officials described the bombing as a retaliatory act linked to drug trafficking conflicts, with the attackers using vehicles packed with explosives and gas cylinders, aiming to instill fear in civilians and destabilize the region. Security forces continue investigations and efforts to control the situation as the city remains militarized.