The bomb blasts and the attempted assassination are the latest signs that Colombia’s security situation is spinning out of control, a little more than a year before Petro must leave office. Illegal armed groups such as Mordisco’s continue to expand, while cocaine production rose to a record last year.

Deadly Bombings Hit Colombia After Assassination Attempt on Senator Uribe | Firstpost America | N18G Colombia has been rocked by a wave of 24 coordinated bombings and gun attacks across multiple cities,

The brutal assassination attempt on Colombian presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay has reopened decades-old wounds in the country. Amid grief and urgent investigations, the nation is wondering how unchecked rhetoric of hate that only breeds violence can be replaced by the defense of democracy with genuine compassion.

The protests come as the country reels from bombing attacks in the southwest and attempted assassination of a senator.

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This is the kind of moment that feels really pivotal, and it’s frankly a very dangerous moment in Colombian politics,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, Senior Colombia Analyst at Crisis Group International.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vowed to find the mastermind behind the shooting of rival Miguel Uribe, who remains in critical condition after being shot in the head at a campaign event. A 15-year-old with a 9mm pistol was arrested at the scene.