CALI, COLOMBIA – At least seven people are dead and nearly 30 injured following a coordinated series of explosions across southwest Colombia on Tuesday, in what authorities describe as one of the most intense escalations of violence in recent years.

Explosive devices struck Colombia’s third-largest city, Cali, as well as towns across Cauca and Valle del Cauca, with security forces confirming more than 20 separate attacks — including car bombings, firearm ambushes, and improvised explosives targeting police facilities.

The Colombian National Army pointed to police units as the main targets, and confirmed that at least two police officers were among the dead. Civilians and members of the military are also counted among the 28 wounded.

Authorities believe the attacks are linked to Estado Mayor Central, a dissident faction that splintered from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after the 2016 peace agreement. While the group has not claimed responsibility, the army cited intelligence connecting its leadership to Tuesday’s violence. In a separate statement, the group accused the government of betraying the peace process.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed three blasts in the city, including one near the Meléndez police station and another at the Manuela Beltrán police substation. While the situation has since been declared “under control,” the images tell a different story — scorched vehicles, shattered buildings, and shell-shocked residents scrambling for safety.

“They want to take us back to 1989 — we will not allow it,” said Eder, invoking the blood-soaked era when political violence gripped Colombia and presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán was assassinated.

Security forces reportedly foiled six additional attacks and arrested two suspects found preparing explosives. The national defense ministry has reinforced troop presence across the southwest.

Experts say the attacks may be part of a broader strategy by armed criminal networks to pressure the Petro government for political concessions.

“This is about leverage,” said Sergio Guzmán, director of Colombia Risk Analysis. “Groups like these want to negotiate from a position of strength — and they're using fear as a bargaining chip.”

Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro has urged President Gustavo Petro to convene the national Security Council in response to what she calls an "alarming escalation of terrorism."

The blasts come at a sensitive time. Just months ago, Cali hosted a major UN biodiversity summit, where Colombia positioned itself as a stable, forward-looking nation. But with violence now returning to urban centers, that image is under renewed threat.

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“This shows the armed groups’ intent not just to control rural routes and illegal economies, but to destabilize Colombia’s cities — its symbolic and economic heart,” said Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group.

Vice President Francia Márquez Mina condemned the attacks as a direct assault on public confidence. “We reject this violence categorically. Instilling fear is not governance. As a national government, we must restore peace and security,” she said on social media.

The attacks also follow the recent shooting of presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay at a campaign event. Uribe remains in critical condition. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested U.S. assistance in investigating the shooting, as the firearm was reportedly purchased in Arizona.

Colombia, still navigating a fragile peace process, now finds itself again at a dangerous crossroads — with growing pressure on Bogotá to assert control and renew public trust in its institutions.


By WafricNews Desk.