The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) carried out 24 coordinated terrorist bombings Tuesday in the southwestern departments of Valle del Cauca and Cauca, killing eight people and injuring at least 78 others. Fourteen victims remain in critical condition.
The attacks primarily targeted police and government buildings. Colombian National Police Chief Carlos Triana stated the violence was intended to commemorate the death of former FARC commander Leider Johani Noscué, also known as “Mayimbú,” who was killed by Colombian forces on June 13, 2022. Noscué, a career terrorist and drug trafficker, had led illegal operations including a gold mining racket generating up to $440,000 annually for FARC.
Authorities say FARC deliberately planned the attacks to align with the anniversary of Mayimbú’s death, a date the group considers symbolically significant. “These organizations prepare violent actions in advance,” said Cali Deputy Police Commander Germán Manrique.
FARC, founded in 1966, signed a controversial “peace deal” in 2016 granting legal immunity and political positions to its leaders. Despite this agreement, FARC factions continue executing attacks and drug operations. The government and media often refer to these factions as “dissidents,” though their tactics and ideology remain unchanged.
Following the attacks, Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro called on President Gustavo Petro’s administration to increase security, saying local efforts are not enough. “We do what we humanly can do,” Toro told Blu Radio. “We need more public force, more intelligence.”
FARC issued a statement claiming responsibility, threatening the use of drones and car bombs in future attacks. The group warned civilians to avoid proximity to military personnel and installations, suggesting further violence is imminent.
Interior Minister Armando Benetteti stated the government is investigating links between the FARC attacks and a recent assassination attempt against conservative Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who was shot by a 14-year-old during a campaign event.
President Petro claimed FARC leader Ivan Mordisco has ties to an international criminal network dubbed the “Dubai Narco-Junta,” which he alleges is behind both the FARC resurgence and threats against his life. Petro also linked the group to the Gulf Clan and Albanian mafia, accusing them of conspiring to destabilize Colombia.
