BOGOTA, Colombia — A motorcycle bomb packed with explosives detonated at a police checkpoint in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, killing the driver and injuring 14 others, including seven civilians and seven police officers, authorities reported.
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Details of the Incident
The explosion occurred in the community of Las Peñas in the municipality of Jamundí, where officers were conducting inspections to curb potential violence by illegal armed groups, according to Col. Carlos Oviedo, commander of the Cali Metropolitan Police.
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Col. Oviedo stated that the motorcycle’s driver appeared to panic when stopped at the checkpoint and detonated the explosives. The driver was killed in the blast, and one of the injured police officers remains in critical condition.
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Strategic Importance of Jamundí
Jamundí is a key region for criminal organizations due to its coca plantations, which are processed into cocaine, and its connection to the port city of Buenaventura, a major hub for drug trafficking.
The Jaime Martínez organized crime group, composed of dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who rejected the 2016 peace accord, is known to operate in the area.
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Ongoing Violence Despite Peace Efforts
Despite President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” initiative aimed at negotiating peace agreements with irregular armed groups, attacks against military and police personnel, often involving explosives, persist. Authorities attribute such violence to criminal factions resistant to reconciliation efforts.
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Calls for Protection
The Ombudsman’s Office has expressed deep concern about the increasing violence in Jamundí and urged authorities to enhance measures to ensure the safety and security of local residents.
