BOGOTA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in two separate attacks in Colombia on Thursday, said the local authorities.

At least six were killed and over 30 others injured in a bomb attack near the Marco Fidel Suarez Air Base in the city of Cali, said the mayor's office.

The bomb attack occurred around 2:50 p.m. local time (1950 GMT), said the Colombian Aerospace Force, reiterating its commitment to the safety of Colombians.

Meanwhile, more than 12 police officers were killed in the northern town of Amalfi when the anti-narcotics helicopter they were on was shot down by the criminal group Estado Mayor Central.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed this, saying the helicopter was carrying personnel for "the eradication of coca leaf crops," following their seizure of a cocaine shipment. ■