"I want to inform the country that after I had completed my work in Sardinata and was close to landing in the city of Cucuta, the presidential helicopter came under attack," Duque said on late Friday, as quoted by his press service.
According to the Noticias Caracol broadcaster, at least six shots were fired at the helicopter but the aircraft was successfully landed by experienced pilots.
El momento en que disparan contra el helícóptero del presidente de Colombia, Iván Duque, en Santander. pic.twitter.com/WnKG8ug4MC
— Al Ghafiki (@shalamaste2_1) June 25, 2021
Along with Duque, there were also the defense minister, the interior minister and the mayor of Cucuta on the board of the helicopter.
Since 1964, Colombia has been witnessing a low-intensity armed conflict between the government and radical armed groups and criminal gangs for increasing influence in the country's territory.
According to the Colombian authorities, criminals stage attacks on security forces, kidnap people, engage in drug trafficking, illegal extraction of mineral resources, arms trading, illegal migration, and extortion.
Following the incident, Duque stressed that the government will continue to fight all criminal groups operating in the country.
It is still unknown who stands behind the attack on the helicopter.
