Attaque contre l'escadron mobile des carabiniers et des unités de la police à Ataco, Tolima: deux uniformés ont été blessés

In the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, two police officers were injured during an attack on a mobile squad of the Carabineros and police units in Ataco, Tolima. The incident marks another escalation in public order violence in the department, which has seen a series of attacks against law enforcement over the past month. The attack occurred when drones loaded with explosives were launched toward the police convoy and the local police station. According to authorities, the drones targeted the mobile unit of the National Police and the police station in Ataco, putting both the vehicle carrying officers and the station itself at risk. This method of attack highlights the increasing sophistication and danger posed by armed groups operating in the region. Governor Adriana Magali Matiz of Tolima condemned the attack, describing it as part of a broader pattern of violence aimed at undermining state authority. She stated that such incidents have been occurring since early August, with criminals attempting to intimidate the public security forces through various means. The governor emphasized that this latest attack is not isolated but rather part of a coordinated effort by criminal groups to destabilize the region. Matiz reiterated that the government is working closely with the police force to implement necessary operational and intelligence measures to counter these threats. She stressed the importance of protecting both law enforcement personnel and civilians from further harm. The preliminary assessment indicates that two national police officers sustained injuries during the attack. The governor also referenced a previous incident just days earlier, in which she criticized the actions of certain factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), specifically the Gerónimo Galeano front, for using drones to harass and attack police units. She described their behavior as "mindless and psychopathic," underscoring the need for unity and solidarity in addressing the ongoing crisis related to wildfires and other forms of organized crime. Authorities have confirmed that the attack was carried out using drone technology equipped with explosive devices. These drones were directed at the police convoy and the station, creating a high-risk situation for those on site. The use of such methods reflects a growing trend of employing advanced weaponry and tactics by criminal organizations seeking to challenge state presence and control. The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures and greater coordination between different branches of the public security forces. Local officials and community leaders have expressed concern over the rising level of violence and its impact on public safety. They urge the government to take decisive action to dismantle the networks responsible for these attacks. As investigations into the incident continue, there is an expectation that more information will emerge regarding the identities of those behind the attack and the extent of the damage caused. The government has pledged to pursue all legal avenues to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure the protection of public institutions and individuals. The situation remains under active review, with efforts ongoing to restore stability and prevent further acts of violence in the region.