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Cali Mayor Eder has announced a ban on large trucks entering the city, citing the risk of additional attacks.
Colombia has seen a rise in violence in recent months (Image: AFP)
A vehicle bomb explosion in the Colombian city of Cali killed at least five people and injured dozens more on Thursday, according to reports from AFP. The incident occurred near a military facility and has raised concerns about escalating violence in the lead-up to the 2026 presidential elections.
Cali’s Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed the toll, stating that preliminary reports indicated at least five fatalities and 36 people injured. The explosion occurred on a busy street in the northern part of the city, close to the Marco Fidel Suárez Military Aviation School.
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Authorities believe the blast targeted the air base directly. Police officials stated that the vehicle bomb was likely meant to hit military personnel stationed at the base. While the motive remains unclear, some officials have suggested the attack may be an attempt to destabilize ongoing peace efforts in the region.
Eyewitnesses described the moment of the explosion. Héctor Fabio Bolaños, 65, told AFP, “There was a thunderous sound of something exploding near the air base. Many houses were damaged in front of the base.” Following the blast, several buildings, including a school, were evacuated as a precaution.
❗️💣🇨🇴 – UPDATE: Bomb Attack at Air Base in Cali, ColombiaTwo vehicles detonated near the Marco Fidel Suárez Air Base in Cali, Colombia, resulting in five deaths and 36 injuries.
Preliminary reports suggest a possible criminal-related car bomb attack.
Local authorities and… pic.twitter.com/rk0s8cZM2v
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) August 21, 2025
Another witness indicated that some of those killed may have been civilians passing by at the time of the explosion.
In response to the attack, Mayor Eder has announced a ban on large trucks entering the city, citing the risk of additional threats. He also offered a reward of US$10,000 for information leading to those responsible.
While the investigation is ongoing, no group has claimed responsibility. However, Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro condemned the bombing, calling it a “terrorist attack.” She added, “Terrorism will not defeat us.”
The Colombian Air Force released an official statement, saying, “At this time, efforts are underway to verify the damage to facilities and personnel, as well as the investigation to determine the causes and perpetrators of this terrorist act, which threatens civilians and the lives of the men and women who serve Colombians from the Air Force.”
Colombia has seen a rise in violence in recent months. In June, leftist guerrillas claimed responsibility for attacks around Cali that left seven people dead. On Thursday, a separate incident in Antioquia department resulted in eight deaths during clashes between guerrilla fighters and police officers. Authorities have not yet confirmed who was behind that attack.
- Location :
Colombia
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