This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
On June 25, 2021, a helicopter carrying Colombian President Ivan Duque was attacked near the border with Venezuela, leaving the President shaken but unharmed.
According to President Duque, the helicopter was carrying the Defense Minister, Interior Minister, and governor of the department of Norte de Santander, Silvano Serrano, when it came under fire.
The President described the attack as 'cowardly' and vowed to continue fighting drug traffickers and organized crime groups in the country.
Colombia has been battling left-wing guerrillas, drug cartels, and other criminal elements for generations, and the attack occurred at a time when the President was flying to the border city of Cucuta from Sardinata in the besieged region of Catatumbo.
The Catatumbo area is known for its coca crops and is home to many armed groups that control the drug trade, including members of FARC who did not sign the peace deal and the National Liberation Army (ELN).
President Duque's helicopter was hit by a bullet, but no one on board was injured. The President said that Colombia is strong enough to face such threats and vowed to continue fighting against crime and corruption.
Colombians have been protesting against rising poverty and inequality, and the national police have been accused of killing dozens of civilians during the attacks.
President Duque's helicopter was attacked at a time when the country is facing significant challenges, including a rise in poverty and inequality, and ongoing violence in the Catatumbo region.
