The mayor's office of Rioblanco in Tolima department, central Colombia, was attacked with drones and gunfire on Sunday, regional Governor Adriana Magali Matiz reported. No victims were reported because the assault took place on a non-working day.
Matiz stated on her X account that protecting life was the urgent priority. She called on authorities to adopt immediate security measures, reinforce public force presence, and evaluate a curfew while controlling the situation.
The governor expressed deep concern for the population and blamed illegal armed groups, noting that FARC dissidents operate in the area. She said criminals intended to sow fear and disrupt peace, but their actions would not be allowed to subject citizens. In videos published by Matiz, smoke emerged from a facade of the building while gunshots sounded in the air. She added that Rioblanco required full institutional capacity to restore order and guarantee safety.
Nationwide escalation of violence
The incident occurs during an escalation of violence and explosive attacks across Colombia that began Saturday and left one police officer dead. The violence started one day after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn into office.
Colombia's Ombudsman's Office asked authorities on Sunday to prevent further attacks. The office recorded attacks, harassment, and explosive incidents between Friday and Saturday in Cauca, Nariño, Cesar, Antioquia, Tolima, Huila, Arauca, Caldas, Bolívar, Meta, and Guaviare.
The deadliest attack occurred in San Roque, in the northeastern department of Cesar, where explosives dropped from drones targeted a local police post. The attack killed 43-year-old Police Sub-Inspector Argemiro Rodelo Canchila, an 18-year veteran of the police force.
