Four killed in wave of bomb, gun attacks across southwest Colombia
Al JazeeraMAY 26
At Least 7 Dead as Colombia Hit with Bombings, Gun Attacks
Above: The body of a victim after an explosive attack in Guachinte, Colombia, on June 10. Image copyright: Joaquin Sarmiento/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
This is a desperate escalation by criminal groups trying to pressure the government into making concessions and abandoning military operations against them. The timing shows these organizations want to destabilize Colombia and return the country to the dark days of the 1980s when violence ruled. The government must respond with decisive action to protect citizens and maintain order.
Government-critical narrative
The surge in violence reflects the government's failed peace policies and inability to provide adequate security for citizens and political candidates. Authorities seem more focused on making excuses for criminals than protecting people, leaving Colombians at the mercy of violent actors. The incomplete implementation of peace agreements has only emboldened these groups.