Car Bomb Attack Near Colombian Air Force Base in Cali Leaves Six Dead and Dozens Injured

A strong explosion was reported in the vicinity of the Cali airbase

At least six people have been killed and 50 others injured following a powerful car bomb explosion near the Marco Fidel Suárez Air Base in Cali, Colombia. The attack, which occurred around 2:50 p.m. on Thursday, caused widespread devastation and has been condemned by authorities as an act of terrorism targeting both civilians and military personnel.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed that two civilians were among the dead and attributed the bombing to factions led by Iván Mordisco, a commander of dissident groups from the former FARC guerrillas. He stated that the attack was a direct response to ongoing government military operations in the region. “The government considers here and asks the world to consider the ‘narcotrafficking junta’ as a terrorist organization,” Petro said, referring to an alliance of FARC dissidents, the Segunda Marquetalia, and the Gulf Clan.

A strong explosion was reported in the vicinity of the Cali airbase

According to initial reports, at least two vehicles were used in the attack. One detonated near the air base, while a second truck packed with gas cylinders was found unexploded, preventing an even greater tragedy. Local authorities confirmed that at least one suspect has been detained in connection with the bombing.

The explosion tore through nearby streets, damaging vehicles, including a passenger bus, shattering windows, and scattering debris across the area. Emergency services and health officials in Valle del Cauca quickly deployed teams to provide medical assistance to dozens of injured civilians and military personnel.

A strong explosion was reported in the vicinity of the Cali airbase

Security forces have launched a full-scale investigation to track down those responsible, while military operations remain active in Cali and surrounding regions. Officials emphasized that the bombing represents an escalation in violence by dissident groups resisting the government’s crackdown on narcotrafficking networks.

The Cali attack came just hours after another violent assault in Amalfi, Antioquia, where a police helicopter was shot down during an anti-narcotics mission. At least 10 police officers were killed and several others injured in that incident, which authorities also linked to FARC dissident groups.