Violence escalates in Colombia with dozens of attacks before presidential vote
Colombia is experiencing a surge in violence ahead of its presidential election, with recent attacks attributed to dissident FARC rebels. The death toll from a recent explosion on the Pan-American Highway has risen to 21, raising security concerns among voters. Analysts suggest that the rebel group is attempting to assert its power and influence in anticipation of future negotiations with the government.
- ▪A series of 26 attacks using explosives and drones have occurred in southwestern Colombia since Friday.
- ▪The FARC-EMC group is blamed for a deadly explosion that killed 21 people on a highway.
- ▪Colombia's government has attempted peace talks with remaining rebel groups, but the strategy has faced criticism for being ineffective.
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Relatives of a victim of an attack that killed at least 20 people on the Pan-American Highway, which authorities blamed on dissident former FARC rebels, cry during a funeral in Cajibio, Colombia, April 27. AP-YonhapBOGOTA — A spate of attacks against civilians and military bases in Colombia's southwestern region has raised security concerns as the country heads to a May presidential election in which crime is expected to be one of the top voter concerns.Rebel groups have staged 26 attacks with explosives and drones since Friday, including a deadly blast Saturday on a highway between the cities of Cali and Popayan, according to Colombia’s defense ministry. The death toll in that explosion rose to 21 people on Monday.Violence in the region is nothing new.
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