BREAKING: At least eight police officers have died and another eight are injured after a police helicopter was shot down in northern Colombia. The attack occurred on October 26, 2023, near the town of Amalfi in the Antioquia department, and is believed to be linked to a splinter group of the former left-wing guerrilla organization FARC.
Local authorities, including Governor Andrés Julián Rendón, confirmed the deadly incident and indicated that both FARC splinter groups and the Gulf Cartel are active in the region. This escalating violence highlights the ongoing challenges Colombia faces despite the peace agreement signed in 2016.
The police helicopter was reportedly deployed to destroy coca fields in the area, which is notorious for drug production. Eyewitness accounts state that two helicopters had previously landed to drop off officers. They returned after receiving reports of an attack, only for one helicopter to be struck by a drone, leading to its tragic crash.
Governor Rendón released a video on the news platform X, showing a dark plume of smoke rising from the crash site, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Colombia remains the largest cocaine producer in the world, and the security situation continues to be precarious as illegal groups vie for control over lucrative drug routes.
Security forces had recently seized 1.5 tonnes of cocaine linked to the Gulf Cartel, illustrating the ongoing conflict over narcotics in the region. The government’s efforts to combat these groups have been met with fierce resistance, and this incident marks a significant escalation in violence against law enforcement.
As investigations continue, authorities are calling for heightened security measures in the area. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as the situation develops.
This tragic event not only highlights the ongoing conflict in Colombia but also raises urgent concerns about the safety of police forces and the broader implications for the region’s stability. More updates are expected as officials work to address the aftermath of this attack.
