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Colombia vows to neutralize guerrilla threat after deadly attacks
Colombia’s government announced on Friday the launch of a major military operation after two deadly attacks claimed the lives of 19 people, including civilians and police officers. The incidents underscored the country’s worsening security crisis, despite ongoing peace efforts.
On Thursday, a truck loaded with explosives detonated near an air force school in Cali, killing at least six civilians and injuring more than 60 others. Hours earlier, near Medellín, 13 police officers were killed in clashes involving gunfire and an explosive drone targeting a helicopter during an anti-drug operation.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez traveled to Cali, where he confirmed the launch of Operation Sultana, designed to protect the country “against terrorism and crime.” The campaign will reinforce the elite “search bloc,” an intelligence and combat unit reminiscent of the one that hunted down drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Authorities blamed dissident factions of the former FARC guerrillas, which rejected the 2016 peace accord and continue to battle each other. According to President Gustavo Petro, these armed groups are part of “an international mafia” fueling violence across the country.
The attacks have intensified criticism of Petro’s approach to negotiate with armed groups instead of pursuing a direct military confrontation. With presidential elections approaching in 2026, security — alongside economic challenges — is expected to dominate the political agenda.