Coordinated Bombings, Shootings Kill 7, Injure 28 in Southwestern Colombia

A series of 24 coordinated bombings and gun attacks struck southwestern Colombia, particularly in Cali and nearby towns, killing between seven and eight people, including police officers and civilians, and injuring around 28 others. The attacks involved car bombs, motorcycle bombs, rifle fire, and suspected drone strikes targeting police posts, municipal buildings, and civilian areas, causing extensive damage and raising fears of a return to the violent era of guerrilla warfare in the country. Colombian authorities and security experts have blamed a dissident faction of the FARC guerrilla group, known as the Central General Staff (EMC), for orchestrating the well-coordinated offensive, possibly in retaliation for recent military actions against their leader. The wave of violence follows an attempted assassination of presidential candidate Senator Miguel Uribe in Bogotá, further heightening national security concerns. Colombian National Police and Army officials have condemned the attacks, deployed reinforcements to affected areas, and reaffirmed their commitment to public security. Residents like Luz Amparo, whose bakery was destroyed, described the attacks as chaotic and devastating, illustrating the severe impact on local communities.