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A wave of concern is sweeping through Cali, Colombia, following an explosion Sunday night in front of the facilities of RCN, a major media outlet. The incident prompted a significant deployment of security forces to the Industrial Los Mangos neighborhood, as authorities launched an examination into the attack and its potential connection to a similar, failed attempt just 24 hours prior.
Second Incident in as Many Days Raises Security Concerns
According to preliminary reports, an explosive device was thrown at the RCN building on Carrera Octava, between streets 30 and 31, in the vicinity of the administrative area. The detonation caused material damage, primarily to windows, but thankfully resulted in no injuries. “The area was immediately cordoned off by Public Force personnel and officials from the Cali Security Secretariat,” a senior official stated, adding that teams are working to assess the full extent of the damage and secure the site for a thorough inspection.
This latest incident follows a concerning pattern. Just one day earlier, another explosive device was reportedly launched in the same area, but failed to detonate. This near-miss has heightened anxieties among residents and workers in the sector, prompting authorities to meticulously review both devices to determine thier characteristics and how they were deployed.
Investigation Underway, Potential Retaliation Considered
Authorities have initiated a full investigation to identify those responsible for the attack on the media facilities. The probe includes gathering details from the blast site, reviewing security camera footage, and analyzing the undetonated device from the previous day. Currently, no specific hypotheses regarding the motive have been publicly released.
The timing of the explosion is also drawing attention, occurring one day after an attack on the Los Mangos Police Station, located east of the city. That Saturday night assault left four people injured. While authorities have not yet established a direct link between the two incidents, reports suggest the police station attack may have been an act of retaliation for the killing of alias ‘Veneno,’ a leader of a dissident commission, Jaime MartÃnez, in a recent operation in the north of Cauca.
Condemnation and Calls for swift Justice
The District Person’s Office of Santiago de Cali has vehemently condemned the attack on the RCN facilities, emphasizing the threat it poses to freedom of the press, citizen security, and the public’s right to information. In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), the office called on authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The office further reiterated its commitment to defending human rights,protecting life,and respecting the work of journalists in the region.
Authorities have not announced any new security measures in response to the incidents, stating they are awaiting the results of the ongoing investigations. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to determine the full scope of the threat and prevent further attacks.
Why: The attacks appear to be escalating security concerns in Cali, possibly linked to retaliation for a recent operation against a dissident group leader.
Who: The attacks targeted RCN media facilities and the Los Mangos Police Station. Authorities are investigating to identify the perpetrators, with speculation pointing towards groups retaliating for the death of alias ‘Veneno.’
What: Two explosive incidents occurred within 24 hours – an explosion at RCN facilities causing material damage, and a failed attempt to detonate a device at the same location. A separate attack on the Los Mangos Police Station injured four people.
How did it end?: The situation remains ongoing. Authorities are investigating, assessing damage, and awaiting the results of forensic analysis of the devices. No arrests have been made,
