2024-08-18 14:19:57
On August 17, 2024, the municipality of Anzoátegui, in Tolima, was the scene of a drone attack perpetrated by FARC dissidents, in a context in which, despite the peace talks promoted by the national Government, these armed groups continue to carry out violent actions against the public force and the civilian population in several regions of the country.
According to local residents, an unidentified object flew over the town’s downtown area before attacking the local police station, leaving one patrolman injured. This attack adds to a worrying trend of the use of drones with explosives by dissidents, who already have a “drone unit,” as the Military Forces have pointed out.
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Following the attack, the governor of Tolima, Adriana Magali Matiz, denounced a second drone attack on the same day and reiterated her firm rejection of impunity for criminal acts. “As Governor, I will not allow crime and terrorism to go unpunished in our territory,” declared Matiz, demanding the intervention of the national government to strengthen security in the region.
Senator María Fernanda Cabal also spoke out about the situation, criticizing President Gustavo Petro and questioning his absence in the response to these violent events: “Where is Petro?” asked Cabal, alluding to the growing presence of dissidents in departments such as Tolima, Meta, Caquetá, Cauca, Huila and Guaviare.
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In response to the attacks, the Military Forces deployed a command of the Sixth Brigade of the National Army in Anzoátegui to reinforce security and protect the uniformed personnel from new attacks. However, Governor Matiz insisted on the need for more decisive action by the Government. “I demand again that the National Government take immediate measures to strengthen security in Tolima and provide the necessary support so that our public force can act effectively against these illegal groups,” she stressed.
Matiz recalled that in April 2024 he had already denounced the presence of dissidents in Anzoátegui, without any preventive measures being taken. The situation has worsened, with banners alluding to the guerrilla group visible in the area, which has increased tension and fear among the inhabitants.