At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured in a wave of bombings and shootings across southwestern Colombia, marking a sharp escalation in the country’s spiraling security crisis.

Car Bombs, Rifles, and Drones Used in Attacks

According to local media, 19 separate attacks were carried out in the Valle del Cauca and Cauca regions, including in the city of Cali. Weaponry reportedly included car bombs, motorcycle explosives, rifle fire, and suspected drone strikes. Police and civilian infrastructure were targeted.

Two police officers were among the dead. The number of injured ranged from 28 to over 50, with reports still being confirmed.

Ministry: Retaliation for Military Pressure

Colombia’s Ministry of Defence called the violence “a desperate reaction” to successful government military and police operations that had “devastated their illicit structures and economies.” The Ministry specified 12 attacks occurred in Cauca and 7 in Valle del Cauca.

Authorities suspect involvement from a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), although the BBC notes these links have not been independently verified.

Return to a Darker Era

Cali’s mayor compared the attacks to the drug cartel violence of the 1980s, saying the city has been thrown back to “1989.” The violence comes just days after a failed assassination attempt on conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in Bogotá.

A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the attempt, but has denied the charges. A judge has ordered the teen to remain in detention pending trial.