What's happened
On June 10, 2025, Colombia experienced a series of coordinated bomb and gun attacks in Cali and surrounding towns, resulting in at least four deaths and numerous injuries. The violence follows an attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, raising fears of a return to past political violence.
What's behind the headline?
Context of Violence
The recent attacks in Colombia highlight a resurgence of violence reminiscent of the country's turbulent past. The EMC's coordinated strikes indicate a significant operational capacity, suggesting a strategic response to military actions against their leadership.
Political Implications
- The attacks coincide with heightened political tensions following the assassination attempt on Senator Uribe, raising questions about the safety of political figures in Colombia.
- President Gustavo Petro's response, including increased security for opposition leaders, reflects the government's struggle to maintain order amidst rising threats.
Public Sentiment
- Many Colombians are expressing fear of a return to the violent era of the 1980s and 1990s, which could lead to increased public unrest and demands for stronger government action.
- The public's reaction, including protests and vigils, underscores a collective anxiety about the future of security in the nation.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the attacks involved 19 coordinated strikes targeting police and civilian sites, resulting in multiple casualties. Police chief Carlos Fernando Triana indicated that the EMC is likely responsible, stating, 'This is a particularly well-coordinated offensive.' Al Jazeera noted that the violence followed the assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe, which has left the nation on edge. Bloomberg reported that a motorcycle bomb detonated near a police station, contributing to the overall chaos. The South China Morning Post highlighted the historical context of violence in Colombia, emphasizing the public's fear of a return to past atrocities.
How we got here
The recent attacks are linked to a dissident faction of the FARC guerrilla group, known as the Central General Staff (EMC). This escalation in violence comes amid ongoing security concerns in Colombia, particularly following the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe.
Go deeper
- What led to the recent violence in Colombia?
- How is the government responding to these attacks?
- What are the implications for Colombia's political landscape?
Common question
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What triggered the recent violence in Colombia?
Colombia is currently facing a surge in violence, marked by coordinated bomb and gun attacks that have left several dead and many injured. This alarming situation raises questions about the underlying causes, the historical context of violence in the country, and the government's response to these events. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this crisis.
More on these topics
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Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a transcontinental country largely in the north of South America, with territories in North America.
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Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego is a Colombian politician, ex guerrilla member and a presidential candidate who previously served as mayor of Bogotá. A left-wing politician, Petro was a member of the revolutionary group M-19 in the 1980s.