Explosive Attacks Kill Seven in Colombia, Exposing Deep Security Crisis

Colombia faces a new wave of violence as at least seven people died in a series of coordinated explosive attacks on June 10, 2025, according to the Colombian Ministry of Defence.

The attacks targeted police stations and public spaces in the city of Cali and surrounding towns in the Valle del Cauca and Cauca provinces. Officials report that the dead include two police officers and five civilians.

More than 50 people sustained injuries during the incidents, which used car bombs, motorcycle bombs, gunfire, and possibly a drone. Authorities attribute the attacks to the FARC-EMC, a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

This group formed after the 2016 peace deal, when some fighters refused to demobilize and instead continued armed operations. The Ministry of Defence described the violence as a desperate reaction to recent security operations that disrupted the group’s illegal networks and revenue streams.

The army stated it has intelligence linking the attacks to FARC-EMC leader Iván Mordisco, though the group has not claimed responsibility.

The violence comes just days after the attempted assassination of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in Bogotá. A 15-year-old allegedly shot Uribe at close range during a campaign event, leaving him in serious condition.

Recent Attacks Raise Fears of Renewed Political Violence in Colombia

This attack has revived fears of political violence reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s, when Colombia saw frequent assassinations and bombings driven by drug cartels and guerrilla groups.

Officials report that the attackers targeted police and government buildings, aiming to weaken state presence in key areas. In Corinto, an explosion destroyed a bakery and damaged municipal buildings.

In Cali, explosions rocked several neighborhoods, with emergency responders treating dozens of wounded. The mayor of Cali compared the current situation to the city’s darkest days under cartel rule.

The government faces mounting pressure to restore order and protect both citizens and business interests. The attacks have disrupted daily life and commerce in affected areas, raising concerns among local and foreign investors.

The violence also threatens Colombia’s economic recovery, as instability can deter investment and slow growth. Negotiations between the government and armed groups have yielded limited results.

Talks with the FARC-EMC collapsed last year after a string of violent incidents. Other factions remain active, vying for control of lucrative drug routes and illegal economies left behind after the original FARC demobilized.

Colombia’s security crisis now stands at a crossroads. The government must balance military action with efforts to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty and lack of opportunity.

The business community watches closely, aware that sustained violence could undermine confidence in the country’s future. The events of June 10 serve as a stark reminder that Colombia’s path to peace and stability remains uncertain.