Baby killed in bomb attack at Colombian military base

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 16:03 · Archive

At least four people, including a two-month-old baby, were killed when a lorry laden with explosives detonated near a military base in Planadas, western Colombia, on Sunday.

At least four people, including a two-month-old baby girl, were killed when a truck loaded with explosives detonated near a military base in Planadas, Tolima province, western Colombia, on Sunday. The blast severely damaged surrounding buildings, including a hospital and residential homes. Security forces said the attackers detonated a dump truck packed with explosives near the 17th Infantry Battalion, and medical personnel set up an emergency treatment area at a public school to stabilise the wounded, with 17 others injured in the attack.

UPI reports that local authorities blamed dissidents from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group, with the Ismael Ruiz Front identified as the suspected perpetrator. The attack prompted authorities in Planadas to impose a total curfew. It is not yet clear who was behind the bombing according to BBC News.

The attack appears connected to the government's recent crackdown on armed criminal groups. President de la Espriella, who took office in August on a tough-on-crime platform, has ended peace talks with some armed groups that had been started under his left-wing predecessor. He stated on social media that 'we will not retreat, not even a millimetre' and that 'in my government, criminals will have no political status, no leniency, and no impunity'. Tolima governor Adriana Magali Matiz called the attack 'a vile and criminal act' and said the region would not tolerate attacks on civilians.

How it is being reported

• Explosives attack in Colombia kills four, including infantAn explosives attack targeting a military base in Colombia killed at least four civilians, including a 2-month-old baby, and injured 17 others.UPI · 2 Nov, 15:36
• Baby among four killed in bomb attack in western Colombia, official saysIt is not yet clear who was behind the attack, which appears to have targeted a military base.BBC News · 2 Nov, 12:52

In this story: Abelardo de la Espriella · Adriana Magali Matiz · Tolima · Planadas · Colombia · FARC · Ismael Ruiz Front

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log