Dozens feared dead in military plane crash in southwestern Colombia

CBS News
March 23, 2026
3 min read

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A Colombian military cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the southwest, with dozens feared dead.

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A Colombian military cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the country's southwestern region, with dozens feared dead, according to the South American nation's military. The incident occurred in a remote area, and rescue operations are underway to search for survivors and recover victims. Military cargo flights in Colombia often support operations in challenging terrain and are critical to the country's defense infrastructure. The crash comes as Colombia continues to deal with security threats in its southwestern regions, where difficult geography complicates both military operations and emergency response efforts. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the crash or a confirmed casualty count.

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