Colombian police officer killed in drone bomb attack

A police sub-lieutenant, Argemiro Rodelo Canchila, died after a drone attack on the San Roque police station in Colombia's northeastern Cesar department. He had served with the police for at least 18 years, noted for his "commitment and vocation."

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the officer's family and colleagues. "These perpetrators will not go unpunished. They will be found and face the full force of the law. Every attack on our security forces only strengthens our resolve to defeat terrorism and restore peace to Colombians," De la Espriella stated on X.

The attack occurred less than a day before the new president's inauguration. Other explosive attacks were also reported across the country. The governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, reported a drone attack on the Porce III police station in Guadalupe, attributed to the FARC's 36th Front. Rendón called it a "provocation to the new government," whose president has vowed to combat "drug trafficking, crime, and narcoguerrilla."

Additionally, unknown assailants destroyed a toll booth under construction on the Pan-American Highway between Popayán and Cali with explosives early Saturday. The blast damaged the toll booth and restricted traffic, with no immediate reports of casualties.

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This crime will not go unpunished. Those responsible will be found and face the full weight of the law. Every attack against our public force men only strengthens our determination to defeat terrorism and restore tranquility to Colombians.