Two suspects captured in attack on RCN facilities in Cali: anti-explosives experts search for more devices

NewsGrenade attack on RCN headquarters in Cali leaves material damage. President De La Espriella and the governor of Valle reject the attack. Grenade attack reported in front of RCN facilities in Cali Photo: Social media / Google MapsJOURNALIST11.11.2026 06:41 Updated: 11.11.2026 06:51 In the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, the facilities of RCN's physical plant in Cali, located in the Industrial Los Mangos neighborhood, were the target of an attack with a grenade-type explosive device. The eventsThe swift reaction of the authorities after the detonation allowed the capture of two men identified as the presumed perpetrators of the attack. The incident left no victims or injured persons, with only material damage recorded to the exterior infrastructure and windows of the media outlet. Grenade attack reported in front of RCN facilities in Cali Photo:MAPSThe incident occurred at the corner of Carrera 8 and Calle 30, when two individuals riding a motorcycle threw the device toward the building's perimeter area before fleeing. Immediately, units of the Cali Metropolitan Police activated control plans in the area, managing to intercept and bring charges against the suspects nearby. Anti-explosive experts and criminal investigation personnel are keeping the area cordoned off to secure the perimeter and collect evidence from security cameras. President Abelardo De La Espriella speaks out after grenade attack. Photo:ArchiveRejection of the attack and defense of press freedomThis attack takes place amid a complex public order situation and just days after intelligence alerts were issued about possible attacks against the country's major media outlets. Given the seriousness of the events, the main civil authorities spoke out forcefully. Grenade attack reported in front of RCN facilities in Cali Photo:Social media / Google MapsThe governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, categorically rejected the aggression through her official channels. The regional leader described the incident as a direct affront to press freedom and citizens' right to information, emphasizing that violence cannot be used as a mechanism of intimidation. What did President Abelardo De La Espriella say?Along the same lines, the President of the Republic, Abelardo De La Espriella—who had previously ordered reinforced security schemes for media outlets such as RCN, Caracol Televisión, and Semana in the face of threats from armed groups—condemned the attack and stated that state institutions will not yield to terrorism. The governor's full statements can be found in the referenced official communiqués. Meanwhile, judicial authorities continue with the interrogations and background checks of those captured to determine their possible link to criminal structures operating in the region."Attacking press freedom is attacking democracy. We condemn the explosion near RCN's facilities in Cali, the second attack the network has suffered in less than a year, as well as the threats against media outlets in Valle del Cauca and throughout Colombia," said Congressman Santiago Castro."These events add to those of recent days targeting @CaracolTV, @CanalRCN, and @CaracolRadio in Bogotá. To the criminals seeking to silence the press, we say they will not succeed. We demand guarantees for journalists and decisive actions to find those responsible," he added. CAROLINA BOHÓRQUEZEL TIEMPO CorrespondentCaliSee more newsA violent bicycle robbery was captured on camera. Photo: Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email based on your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin El Tiempo's WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.