Colombia Reels from Wave of Pre-Election Violence, 21 Killed in Highway Bombing
Colombia is facing a severe escalation of violence just weeks before its presidential election, with a series of coordinated attacks killing dozens and injuring many more. The deadliest incident was a bomb blast on the Pan-American Highway between the cities of Cali and Popayán, where assailants used a bus to halt traffic before detonating an explosive. The death toll from this single attack has risen to at least 21 people, with dozens more injured, according to the country's defense ministry. Authorities have blamed the attacks on dissident factions of the former FARC rebel group. Since last Friday, these armed groups have staged a total of 26 attacks utilizing explosives and drones. The violence is widely seen as an attempt by these criminal organizations, which finance themselves through drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion, to influence the upcoming election and sow instability. The spate of violence has placed crime and security at the forefront of voter concerns ahead of the May 31st vote. The deteriorating security situation is casting a shadow over the presidential race, raising fears of further political violence and underscoring the persistent challenges Colombia faces from armed groups despite a historic peace deal.
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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — A spate ... election in which crime is expected to be one of the top voter concerns. Rebel groups have staged 26 attacks with explosives and drones since Friday, including a deadly blast Saturday on a highway between the cities of Cali and Popayan, according to Colombia’s defense ministry. The death toll in that explosion rose to 21 people on Monday. Violence in the region ...
Bomb blast on Colombia highway leaves 21 dead amid pre-election violence | Colombia | The Guardian
Colombia has a history of armed groups – which finance their operations through drug trafficking, illegal mining and extortion – attempting to influence elections through violence.
Several killed in Colombia highway bomb attack ahead of presidential election - France 24
At least 14 people were killed and 38 injured in a highway bomb attack in southwest Colombia that the authorities blamed on the dissidents of the former FARC guerrilla army. The attack came amid a spate of violence across the country ahead of next month's presidential election.
Violence escalates in Colombia with dozens of attacks before presidential vote :: WRAL.com
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — A spate ... election in which crime is expected to be one of the top voter concerns. Rebel groups have staged 26 attacks with explosives and drones since Friday, including a deadly blast Saturday on a highway between the cities of Cali and Popayan, according to Colombia’s defense ministry. The death toll in that explosion rose to 21 people on Monday. ... Violence in the region ...
Bomb attack kills 14, injures 38 in Colombia weeks before presidential election - The Times of India
At least 14 people were killed and 38 others injured in a highway bomb attack in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, underscoring a surge in violence just weeks ahead of the country’s presidential election.The bomb detonated after assailants brought traffic to a halt, using a bus and another ...
Colombia faces surge in rebel attacks ahead of presidential election on May 31; security fears grow - CNBC TV18
HomePhotos NewsWorld NewsColombia faces surge in rebel attacks ahead of presidential election on May 31; security fears grow · With Colombia set to head to the polls on May 31, a deteriorating security situation marked by deadly attacks and rising violence is emerging as a key concern for voters.
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