Bomb explosion in Colombia injures 7

World

Bomb explosion in Colombia injures 7

Close

Five military personnel and two civilians were injured in an explosion outside Colombia Airport.

11 March,2012 04:36 am

At least five soldiers and two civilians were injured by a home-made bomb on Saturday after suspected FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels placed the explosive device outside an airport in the former demilitarised zone of San Vicente del Caguan.As Colombian authorities close in on guerilla territory, General Jaime Lasprilla believes the attack was carried out for recent military incursions in the region.Its been a terrorist act perpetrated by the FARCs 63rd front as a retaliation for the operation that we are conducting in the area, he said.According to local sources, the bomb went off at 8am when military personnel at the site were performing security and surveillance operations.No deaths were reported and victims are reported to be in a stable condition in a nearby hospital.Five military personnel members have been injured in the attack. Their injuries are not life threatening and they are being treated at the moment, added Lasprilla.In recent years strikes against the FARC have severely weakened the rebels ranks and capabilities. However, the recent surge in violence demonstrates that the FARC remain a force, staging attacks on economic infrastructure, kidnapping civilians and law enforcement.Colombias nearly five-decade-old war has killed tens of thousands of people, seen hundreds kidnapped and displaced 3.5 million more.