Shooting targets Colombian senator’s convoy: Casualties confirmed
Law enforcement officers investigate the incident (Photo: Getty Images)
In Colombia, unknown assailants opened fire on the convoy of a sitting senator with automatic weapons, killing several of the politician’s bodyguards, reports Bloomberg.
The attack occurred just weeks before the March 8, 2026, parliamentary elections.
According to the agency, the incident took place while the senator’s convoy was traveling in the eastern part of the country, when gunmen opened fire on the vehicles. Several of the senator’s bodyguards were killed in the shooting. There is currently no information on casualties among the politicians or civilians.
The attack on the convoy occurred a month before the start of the election campaign, when citizens will vote for the composition of the Colombian Congress, and amid preparations for the presidential elections in May–June 2026.
This level of violence only heightens concerns about the safety of political figures and the stability of the electoral process in a country with a long history of political attacks and related investigations.
So far, Colombian authorities and the senator have made no official comments on the attack. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and search for potential witnesses or evidence that could help determine the motives and identify those responsible.
Bloomberg notes that such attacks occur amid rising political tensions in Colombia. In 2025, one of the leading opposition senators and potential presidential candidates, Miguel Uribe Turbay, survived a serious assassination attempt during the election campaign. The attack took place in a public square in Bogotá — the politician sustained multiple gunshot wounds and required lengthy treatment in critical condition.
US tensions with Colombia
Following a successful operation in Venezuela to capture dictator Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump spoke of several possible operations in other countries, including Colombia.
Trump told reporters that Colombia is led by a sick man, whom he accused of being involved in the production and supply of cocaine to the US. He added that this situation will not last long.
In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he is ready to take up arms again to defend his country.
He expressed confidence that the Colombian people would stand behind their president and warned that detaining the national leader could unleash the people’s jaguar.
On January 17, reports emerged that the US had warned airlines about possible military activity in several countries, including Colombia. The warnings came into effect on January 16 and will remain in place for 60 days.
