At least 10 police officers have been killed and several others severely injured after a Colombian police helicopter was shot down during an anti-narcotics mission. The attack occurred in a remote jungle region, where authorities were carrying out operations against powerful drug cartels.

According to local officials, the aircraft came under heavy gunfire from armed groups linked to narcotrafficking networks, forcing it down in hostile territory. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, but most officers onboard could not be saved.

The Colombian government has condemned the attack, vowing a full-scale response. President Gustavo Petro said the nation is mourning a “cowardly assault on our brave police forces” and pledged to intensify anti-cartel operations.

This tragic incident underscores the extreme danger faced daily by law enforcement officers battling drug violence in Colombia. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.