Recent Attacks in Colombia: Context and Impact
In the past few hours, Colombia has experienced two significant attacks. In Cali, at least eight people have died and nearly 80 others have been injured following an explosion. This incident occurred just under 24 hours after another attack in Antioquia, resulting in a total of about twenty deaths and numerous injuries.
Cali Explosion: Casualties and Damage
The explosion in Cali took place near a military base, claiming the lives of at least eight individuals and injuring around 80 more. The blast occurred in one of the city’s main hubs, causing material damage to buildings and establishments. Fortunately, no one was present in the vicinity when the abandoned explosive device detonated around 3:00 AM local time.
Florence Blast: Possible Motive
In Florencia, Caquetá, a powerful explosion shook the town early Friday morning. The blast caused material damage to buildings but resulted in no casualties, as the area was deserted at the time. The local police commander, Colonel César Pinzón, suspects that this attack might be a retaliation by the Rodrigo Cadete faction of FARC dissidents against local businesses refusing to pay extortion fees, which can reach up to 60 million Colombian pesos (approximately €12,800).
Government Response and Arrests
In April 2023, President Gustavo Petro’s administration decided to suspend military operations against the mentioned group to foster trust during peace negotiations. Since the beginning of the year, authorities have apprehended thirty individuals in Florencia, including Rubiel Cabrera, alias ‘Raúl,’ the financial chief of the Rodrigo Cadete faction led by Alexánder Mendoza, alias ‘Calarcá.’ However, the government suspects that other attacks might be linked to ‘Iván Mordisco,’ a leader of Néstor Vera Fernández’s dissident faction, or ‘Calarcá’ himself.
Attacks and Suspected Groups
Local authorities have attributed the recent attacks to the dissidents of Néstor Vera Fernández, ‘Iván Mordisco.’ However, they have not ruled out the possibility that ‘Calarcá’s’ group is also responsible. Meanwhile, the central government points to the Clan del Golfo as the likely perpetrator.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the recent attacks in Colombia? In the past few hours, Colombia has experienced two significant attacks. In Cali, an explosion near a military base resulted in at least eight deaths and around 80 injuries. In Florencia, Caquetá, a powerful explosion caused material damage but no casualties.
- Who are the suspected groups behind these attacks? Local authorities have attributed the recent attacks to the dissidents of Néstor Vera Fernández, ‘Iván Mordisco.’ However, they have not ruled out the possibility that ‘Calarcá’s’ group is also responsible. The central government suspects the Clan del Golfo.
- What is the government’s response to these attacks? In April 2023, President Gustavo Petro’s administration decided to suspend military operations against the mentioned group to foster trust during peace negotiations.
- Who have the authorities arrested in connection with these attacks? Since the beginning of the year, authorities have apprehended thirty individuals in Florencia, including Rubiel Cabrera, alias ‘Raúl,’ the financial chief of the Rodrigo Cadete faction led by Alexánder Mendoza, alias ‘Calarcá.’
