BOGOTA / ISTANBUL

Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez has criticized the current government's handling of security, citing the recent armed attack on Senator Miguel Uribe and expressing concern about assassination threats against himself.

“While Miguel Uribe fights for his life, the government seems preoccupied with other matters. They propose agreements to prevent new massacres, yet international intelligence has informed me of another assassination plot against me,” Uribe said on X on Monday.

Colombian presidential hopeful Uribe, who is still in critical condition after being shot in the head at close range during a campaign rally in Bogota over the weekend.

The 39-year-old conservative senator underwent brain surgery but has shown minimal response to treatment.

Authorities arrested a 15-year-old suspect at the scene, who is recovering from a leg injury. The attack has heightened fears of escalating political violence in Colombia.

Meanwhile, Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez Suarez also announced a reward of 3 billion pesos (approximately $730,000) for anyone who provides information leading to the capture of those behind the attack.

"Security measures have been heightened to the maximum level. A reward will be given to those who provide accurate and timely information that enables us to recognize and neutralize any threat to our political leaders in advance.

"An attack on a political leader, regardless of ideology or party affiliation, is a direct attack on our democracy,” Suarez said.