BOGOTA - A devastating car bomb explosion has claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals and left dozens injured on a bustling street in Cali, a city located in western Colombia. Authorities have reported that the blast specifically targeted the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School situated in the northern part of the city, resulting in injuries to 36 people.

Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali, expressed his condemnation of this violent attack and has promised a reward for any information leading to those responsible. The incident follows another tragic event earlier on Thursday where an assault on a police helicopter outside Medellin resulted in at least 18 fatalities.

In response to these alarming attacks, both the president and military leaders have committed to convening a security council meeting with the intention of determining additional protective measures for residents.

The Ministry of Defence has taken a firm stand against terrorism by declaring that such crimes will be vigorously prosecuted under full legal force.

According to eyewitness accounts, the Cali car bomb caused civilian casualties and significant damage to nearby homes. "A loud explosion echoed near the air base," one witness recounted.

This attack led to evacuations across various buildings and schools while prompting Mayor Eder to implement restrictions on large truck access into the city.

Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the blast as a "terrorist attack," attributing it to "the narco cartel alias Mordisco," involving Ivan Mordisco-leader from what was once known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).

Sánchez denounced this “cowardly attack” on civilians as an act motivated by frustration over diminishing control over drug trafficking activities within Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Nariño due largely due efforts by Public Force units neutralizing many threats previously present there.

At least 18 people, including police officers, lost their lives, though it remains uncertain whether they died in the helicopter crash itself or after hitting the ground.

Videos shared on social media showed dense black smoke rising from a forested area near Amalfi in northern Colombia.

According to Sánchez, the attack was carried out by the EMC guerrilla faction, the largest remnant group of the former Farc.

Colombia has seen a surge in violence in recent months, marked by clashes between state security forces, dissident rebels, paramilitary groups, and drug cartels.

Drone strikes have also become an increasingly common tactic. In 2024 alone, authorities recorded 115 such incidents, most attributed to illegal armed organizations.

Just last week, three soldiers were killed in the southwest after drones dropped explosive devices on navy and army personnel stationed at a checkpoint.