Colombia offers $800,000 reward for information linked to attack on President Ivan Duque’s helicopter

Duque’s helicopter was approaching the Cucuta airport on Friday when several shots – apparently from rifles – were fired at it

No one on board was injured, but photos released by the president’s office showed the tail and main blade had been hit

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Colombia’s President Ivan Duque, fourth from right, and bodyguards near the presidential helicopter at Camilo Daza International Airport after it was hit by gunfire in Cucuta, Colombia on Friday. Photo: Colombian Presidency / AFP

Published: 3:34am, 27 Jun 2021Updated: 3:34am, 27 Jun 2021

The Colombian government said on Saturday it is offering a reward of nearly US$800,000 for information leading to the capture of those behind an attack on a helicopter Friday carrying President Ivan Duque near the Venezuela border.

“A reward of up to 3 billion pesos is being offered” for information leading to “those responsible for this terrorist attack,” Defence Minister Diego Molano said in a video posted to social media from the northern city of Cucuta.

The president’s helicopter was approaching the Cucuta airport on a flight from Sardinata when several shots – apparently from rifles – were fired at it.

Colombian president Ivan Duque, centre, interior minister Daniel Palacios, keft and Defence Minister Diego Molanoin Cucuta, Colombia on Friday. Photo: Cesar Carrion / Colombian Presidency / AFP

Duque was flying with Molano, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios and other officials at the time.

No one on board was injured, but photos released by the president’s office showed the tail and main blade had been hit.