At least five people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks in Colombia, including a two-month-old baby, President Abelardo de la Espriella said on X. He attributed the “cowardly attacks” to what he called “narco-terrorists,” without identifying a specific group.
The deadliest attack took place in Planadas, a town in the central department of Tolima. Three explosive devices detonated near an army base, killing four people, including the infant, according to regional authorities. Eighteen people were injured and 177 homes were damaged. A hospital and several houses were also affected after a truck loaded with explosives detonated near the military facility.
Planadas Mayor Juan Camilo Hueje said numerous injured people were taken to a school for medical treatment. He condemned the attack, saying it had endangered patients and medical staff, damaged homes and left families mourning.
Tolima Governor Adriana Magali Matiz blamed dissident groups of the former FARC guerrilla organization. She described the incident as an attack on civilians carried out by groups involved in illegal mining and drug trafficking.
A separate attack in Algeciras, in the department of Huila, killed a police officer and injured other police officers and civilians, according to the president. Additional attacks were reported in the department of Cauca.
The violence comes as Colombia faces what the report describes as its worst wave of violence in a decade. De la Espriella said the government would reinforce security forces and introduce special measures to prevent further attacks and regain control of affected areas. He also pledged that those responsible would not go unpunished.
Since taking office in early August, De la Espriella has pursued military operations against drug cartels and rebel groups. Dozens of people have been killed in those operations, including at least eight minors, while guerrilla groups have continued to carry out bombings and attacks. The president ended negotiations with armed groups that had been pursued by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, prompting opposition accusations that his policies could undermine the fragile peace process.
Sources: Der Spiegel.