Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Friday that a helicopter carrying him and several other officials was struck by multiple bullets in the southern Catatumbo region.

The incident took place while the president's helicopter was flying through the Catatumbo region toward the city of Cucuta, capital of Norte de Santander province.

"The presidential helicopter was the target of an attack," Duque said, adding that he was accompanied by Defense Minister Diego Molano, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios, and governor of Norte de Santander Silvano Serrano.

No one was injured in the attack, the president said in a statement.

"The truth is that it is a cowardly attack, where the impact of the bullets can be seen on the presidential aircraft. Once again, we reiterate that as a government we are not going to falter for a single moment, a single day, in the fight against drug trafficking, against terrorism and organized crime," said Duque.

He added that he would not allow himself to "be intimidated" by "acts of terrorism."

"I have also given very clear instructions to the entire security team to go after those who shot at the aircraft and put the lives of people at risk," Duque said.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

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