26.04.2026 08:30
In Colombia's Cauca region, 14 people, including 5 children, lost their lives and more than 38 were injured when a bomb placed on the Pan-American Highway detonated. The explosion occurred during heavy traffic, rendering numerous vehicles unusable. President Petro blamed the FARC-linked EMC for the attack, and a large-scale operation has been launched in the area.
A bomb attack in southwestern Colombia has plunged the country into mourning. In the town of Cajibio, in the Cauca administrative region, an explosive device placed on the Pan-American highway detonated, killing 14 people, including children, and injuring more than 38 others.
ATTACK CARRIED OUT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred during heavy vehicle traffic. The explosive, placed in a culvert, was detonated remotely as vehicles passed. The blast rendered a traditional village bus known as a "chiva" unusable and severely damaged several nearby vehicles. A large crater formed on the highway after the powerful explosion.
PRESIDENT PETRO: THOSE RESPONSIBLE ARE TERRORISTS
Colombian President Gustavo Petro blamed the attack on Ivan Mordisco, leader of the FARC's umbrella organization Estado Mayor Central (EMC). In a statement on his social media account, Petro said, "Those who killed civilians in Cajibio are terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers." Petro ordered the armed forces to intensify operations and called for the perpetrators to be pursued at the international level.
GOVERNOR GUZMAN: AMONG THEM ARE 5 CHILDREN
Cauca Governor Octavio Guzman stated that the number of fatalities in the attack has increased, saying, "14 people, including 5 children, lost their lives, and more than 38 were injured. This is a great tragedy."
SECOND ATTACK IN CALI
Meanwhile, in another attack near a military base in the city of Cali, a bomb-laden bus injured 2 people. Authorities have increased security measures in the area and launched an investigation into the background of the attacks.