Colombia: Senator’s vehicle riddled with bullets amid rising election violence
The motorcade of a Colombian senator came under fire on Tuesday in the conflict-ridden region of Cauca, just days ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for May 31.
According to President Gustavo Petro, the attack targeted Senator Alexander López, whose armoured vehicle was struck by multiple bullets while travelling through southwestern Colombia. Security sources indicated that the senator was not inside the vehicle hit by gunfire, as he had changed cars due to prior security alerts.
Authorities attributed the attack to armed dissident groups linked to the former FARC guerrilla movement, operating under the leadership of figures known as Iván Mordisco and Marlon. These groups remain active in several rural areas despite peace agreements signed in 2016.
The incident is part of a broader wave of violence affecting the electoral period, including previous attacks in the same region that resulted in civilian casualties. Officials have warned that tensions are rising as political campaigns intensify.
Security forces have launched investigations and reinforced protection measures for political figures ahead of the vote, while the government continues to struggle with persistent armed group activity despite ongoing peace initiatives.
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