A bomb tore through an elite social club in the Colombian capital of Bogota, killing more than 20 people, wounding 100 and raising fears that Colombia's leftist rebels are making good on threats to attack the ruling class.
The powerful bomb rocked the 10-story El Nogal Club in north Bogota on last night, blowing brick and mortar onto a busy avenue, collapsing floors, and starting a fire that burned for about two hours through much of the building.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, had said several months ago it intended to attack Colombia's elite. The rebels have recently brought their four-decade war from the countryside into the cities.
The club was one of Colombia's most exclusive, and a symbol of wealth and power. It was frequented by politicians and business executives and included restaurants, a mini-golf course, a gym and rooms for overnight guests.