Colombian Armed Violence Escalates: Military, Police, and Government Agencies Targeted | WPN World People News

A wave of violent incidents has erupted across Colombia, allegedly linked to the upcoming presidential election. On June 10, the city of Cali—Colombia's third-largest—and nearby towns came under attack. A total of 24 coordinated assaults targeted police outposts, municipal buildings, and civilian areas, leaving at least seven dead and 28 injured. The attacks, believed to have been carried out by local guerrilla forces, involved car bombs, motorcycle bombs, rifle fire, and drones.

Just days before the string of assaults, a presidential candidate survived an assassination attempt while campaigning in the capital city, Bogotá.

Security expert Elizabeth Dickinson from the International Crisis Group speculated that the attacks were likely orchestrated by the Central General Staff (Estado Mayor Central, EMC), the largest faction of the former rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In an interview with AFP, Dickinson stated, "These attacks demonstrate the EMC’s capability to coordinate operations," adding, "and their ability to act in major urban areas like Cali." While the EMC had previously warned civilians to avoid military and police installations, the group has neither claimed responsibility for nor commented on the recent attacks.

Efforts by Colombian President Gustavo Petro to broker peace with the EMC and other armed groups have repeatedly faltered. Citizens are increasingly fearful of a return to the violent chaos of the 1980s and 1990s, a period marked by drug cartel dominance, guerrilla warfare, and political assassinations.