FARC Dissidents Launch Deadly Attack on Police Station in Colombia
A police station in the town of **Carmelo**, located in the **Cauca** department of **Colombia**, was attacked by dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on Sunday, resulting in the death of one police officer and injuries to four others, authorities confirmed. The Colombian army reported that troops were deployed to the area following what were described as “terrorist actions” linked to the ongoing conflict with these dissident groups.
The attack is believed to be a direct response to recent police operations targeting criminal organizations in the region. The dissidents, who reject the **2016 peace agreement** that marked the official end to decades of armed conflict, are led by **Néstor Gregorio Vera**, known by his alias **Iván Mordisco**. He is among Colombia’s most wanted individuals and has withdrawn his faction from peace negotiations with the government of **Gustavo Petro**.
Local authorities noted that the armed groups allegedly employed tactics that included using civilians as human shields, complicating military intervention aimed at supporting police operations. The governor of **Cauca**, **Octavio Guzmán**, expressed urgent concerns over public safety, appealing for assistance from **Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez** to restore order and protect local residents.
In the aftermath of the assault, local media circulated videos reportedly captured by residents taking cover from the gunfire. These recordings depict the chaotic scene as officers inside the police station called out for help amidst gunfire and grenade explosions. This incident follows a similar attack in late August, which also resulted in injuries to at least three police officers in the same department.
The ongoing violence in Cauca highlights the persistent challenges faced by authorities in combating armed groups that continue to operate outside the framework of peace agreements. The Colombian government remains under pressure to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of its citizens.
