The bombing on 21/8 targeted the Marco Fidel Suarez Air Base, home to the Military Aviation School (EMAVI), north of Cali, according to Colombian police. At least 5 people died and 36 were injured.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"There was a thunderous explosion near the air base. Many people were injured, and several houses near the base were damaged," said witness Hector Fabio Bolanos.

Security forces inspect the site of the car bomb explosion in Cali, Colombia, on 21/8. Photo: AFP

Security forces inspect the site of the car bomb explosion in Cali, Colombia, on 21/8. Photo: AFP

Several buildings and schools in the area were evacuated. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder banned large trucks from entering the city due to fears of further explosions and offered a $10,000 reward for information about the bombing.

Witness Alexis Atizabal said the casualties likely included civilians. "There were people walking on the avenue who were killed," he said.

Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro described it as a "terrorist attack."

In June, leftist guerrilla groups claimed responsibility for a series of bombings and attacks in Cali and the surrounding area that killed 7 people.

Guerrilla groups, paramilitary forces, and gangs still control large areas of Colombia, but the country has experienced a decade of relative peace. Recent violence has increased ahead of the 2026 Colombian presidential election. Also on 21/8, at least 8 people were killed in clashes between guerrillas and police in the northwest of the country.

The attacks have put pressure on the government of President Gustavo Petro, who has been criticized for his conciliatory approach to armed groups and for allowing violence to increase.

Thuy Lam (According to AFP)