A Surge in Violence in Southwest Colombia: 21 Dead in Coordinated Attacks
A series of 26 attacks using explosives and drones in southwest Colombia, beginning on Friday, has resulted in 21 confirmed deaths as of Monday. The violence has heightened security concerns less than three weeks before the country's presidential election on May 31.
Key Facts
- The attacks, reported by Colombia’s defense ministry, included a blast on a highway between Cali and Popayan on Saturday that killed 21 people.
- Other incidents targeted military bases.
- The Colombian government has attributed the attacks to the FARC-EMC group, led by Nestor Vera (alias Iván Mordisco), a former FARC member who rejected the 2016 peace deal.
- The FARC-EMC is active in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca provinces, where it engages in drug trafficking and illegal mining.
Background on Conflict
President Gustavo Petro’s administration has pursued a "total peace" strategy, which involves offering ceasefires and initiating peace talks with rebel groups. The FARC-EMC entered peace talks with the government in late 2023.
However, in April 2024, a faction of the group led by Iván Mordisco abandoned the talks and resumed hostilities. Analysts state that the group’s objective is to demonstrate its military capabilities and gain leverage for future negotiations.
Statements and Reactions
The defense minister stated that kidnappings and lockdowns in the Cauca region have decreased over the past year.
President Petro asked security forces to investigate whether the explosives used in the attacks originated from Ecuador, referencing a trade dispute over border security. President Petro stated, "They want to sabotage our elections so that the extreme right wins," without specifying a particular group.
Presidential candidate Iván Cepeda (of President Petro’s party) condemned the attacks and called for an investigation into possible election interference.
In contrast, conservative candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia advocate for a military approach to confronting rebel groups before any peace negotiations.
Political risk analyst Sergio Guzmán noted that both sides of the political spectrum are likely to use the attacks to support their respective positions on security policy.