Colombia: Cop killed, 4 four injured in attack on Carmelo station; led by defunct group FARC

A police officer was killed and four others wounded Sunday in an attack on a police station in southwestern Colombia by dissidents of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), authorities said.

The Colombian army said on X that troops entered the town of Carmelo, in the Cauca department , to restore order following “terrorist actions” that appeared to be in response to a police operation against criminal groups in the area.

The dissidents, who do not accept the 2016 peace agreement, are led by Nestor Gregorio Vera , known as Ivan Mordisco, one of the country’s most wanted individuals. His factions withdrew from peace talks with the government of Gustavo Petro.

The army said the armed groups used local residents as human shields to prevent troops from entering the area to support police efforts.

The governor of Cauca, Octavio Guzmán, said on X that he made an urgent call to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez to request the restoration of public order and the protection of the local population.

Local media shared videos reportedly recorded by residents taking shelter from gunfire. Other videos show gunfire and grenades at the police station as ambushed officers cried out for help.

Operating in the region, the FARC rebel group carried out assassinations, hijackings, and bombings for decades to undermine authorities in Bogota. At least three police officers were injured in a similar attack in the Cauca department in late August.