Colombia Highway Bomb Attack Kills 14

A suspected guerrilla group executed a devastating bomb attack on the Pan-American Highway in southwest Colombia, resulting in 14 fatalities and 38 injuries, including five children. The incident, which occurred in the municipality of Cajibio within Cauca province, marked a significant escalation in violence gripping the region. Local media reported that an explosive cylinder fell onto a minibus and detonated, causing widespread destruction.

Authorities Attribute Attack to FARC Dissidents

Colombian officials have pointed to dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) as the perpetrators. Governor Octavio Guzman described the event as a “tragedy” and warned of a “terrorist escalation.” Visuals shared on X by Guzman depicted severe damage to multiple vehicles, with some overturned due to the blast’s intensity. A striking image showed a large crater formed on the highway.

“President Gustavo Petro’s government cannot continue minimizing the violence or dismantling the state,” said Paloma Valencia, an opposition right-wing presidential candidate from Cauca. “We demand immediate action, full backing for our Armed Forces and police, and concrete results.”

Political Tensions and Security Concerns

President Gustavo Petro has accused Ivan Mordisco, a prominent criminal linked to FARC, of orchestrating the attack. Mordisco, who rejected the 2016 peace agreement, is compared to the late drug lord Pablo Escobar. The violence has intensified ahead of the May 31 presidential elections, where security is a critical campaign issue. Over the past two days, at least 26 explosions targeted public infrastructure across Valle del Cauca and Cauca departments, according to the Armed Forces commander, Hugo López.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in the region to evaluate the situation, following two attacks reported on Friday. His presence underscores the growing concern over the threat to civilians and the urgency for state intervention. The spate of violence highlights the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining stability as the election approaches.

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