Colombia faces violence surge as rebel groups attack police stations

In southwest Colombia, a series of coordinated explosions occurred on June 10, 2025, targeting police facilities. The blasts, attributed to rebel factions, primarily hit the city of Cali and nearby regions in Cauca province, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. According to national police reports, at least four deaths were confirmed, with many others injured. Authorities quickly identified these attacks as deliberate attempts by criminal organizations, particularly the FARC-EMC, to establish dominance and threaten law enforcement forces. The situation escalated dramatically after a series of violent acts leading up to this event, reflecting growing tensions in the region. The FARC-EMC group, composed of dissidents who rejected the peace agreement signed with the government in 2016, has shown increasing aggression as they seek territorial control in areas previously occupied by the larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The government, struggling to maintain order, has faced criticism for its inability to curb such violence despite ongoing peace negotiations with other factions of former guerrillas. The recent attacks came just days after a high-profile political incident, where Miguel Uribe, a presidential hopeful, was attacked during a campaign event, raising concerns about safety and governance in the country. Colombian officials, including Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali and Vice-President Francia Márquez Mina, condemned the attacks and urged the national government to take decisive action to restore public order. They pointed out the need for enhanced security measures and a comprehensive response involving military and police forces to prevent further escalation. The violence has raised alarms among citizens, echoing traumatic memories of Colombia's past, particularly referencing events from 1989. Consequently, there are calls for a reassessment of strategies to ensure the safety of the populace and effective countermeasures against armed groups. The implications of this violence extend beyond immediate concerns for public safety; it also threatens the fragile peace process in Colombia and presents a serious challenge for the current administration led by President Gustavo Petro. Policymakers are urged to address both immediate threats and long-term solutions that could stabilize the region and prevent the resurgence of such violent acts. As Colombia grapples with both a humanitarian crisis and a deterioration in security, the future of peace talks and national cohesion hangs in the balance.