Colombian police officer killed by criminals in rural Tuluá ambush

A Colombian police officer was killed and another was wounded following a violent shootout with a criminal group in a rural area of western Colombia.

The National Police of Colombia confirmed that Patrolman Diego Andrés Sanabria Romero lost his life during the line of duty. The incident took place in the village of La Marina, located in the rural jurisdiction of Tuluá.

According to official statements, the two officers were performing their duties when they came under heavy gunfire from members of an unidentified criminal organization. Despite the sudden ambush, the officers returned fire, managed to neutralize one of the attackers, and resisted the assault.

Sanabria Romero died from his injuries at the scene. His unnamed partner sustained injuries during the gun battle and is currently receiving medical attention at a local healthcare facility.

"The life of a police officer cannot be taken away by violence," the stated in a public message expressing deep grief and solidarity with Sanabria’s family. "Behind each uniform, there is a life, a family, and a Colombian who chose to serve and protect others."

Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the attack, calling for an end to violence against law enforcement officials. The Colombian military and police have deployed specialized institutional resources to the region to hunt down, capture, and bring the remaining members of the criminal network to justice.