An explosive device detonated on a bus in southwest Colombia on Saturday killed seven people and injured more than 17 others, authorities confirmed, marking a sharp escalation in violence in the region.
Attack on Panamerican Highway
The explosion occurred while the bus was traveling along the Panamerican Highway in Cajibio, Cauca department. Governor Octavio Guzmán reported the incident on social media, stating that the device was activated during the journey.
Gen. Hugo López, commander of Colombia's Armed Forces, characterized the event as a “terrorist act” during a press conference. He attributed the attack to networks linked to a man known as “Iván Mordisco” — one of Colombia's most wanted figures — and the Jaime Martínez faction. Both are dissident groups stemming from the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) that rejected the 2016 peace agreement.
Presidential Condemnation
President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack on social media, labeling the perpetrators “terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers.” He noted that many of the victims were Indigenous people.
The bus bombing is the latest in a series of explosive attacks and attempted strikes on public infrastructure. Over the past two days, at least 26 criminal incidents have been recorded in southwest Colombia, all affecting civilians, according to General López.
Previous Incidents
Previous assaults, which caused no injuries, included a shooting at a police station in rural Jamundi and an attack on a Civil Aviation radar facility in El Tambo, where authorities shot down three explosives-laden drones on Saturday. On Friday, two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices detonated near military units in Cali and Palmira, resulting in material damage.
Government Response
The surge in violence prompted a high-level delegation, led by Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, to travel to the region. The group, including regional governors and local authorities, was meeting in Palmira when the deadly explosion occurred. Sánchez vowed a firm response, stating, “These criminals seek to instill fear, but we will respond with firmness.”
Francisca Toro, governor of Valle del Cauca, called for “immediate support” from the national government, urging reinforcement of public security forces, enhanced intelligence operations, and “decisive actions” against crime amid a “terrorist-level escalation.”
Strategic Region
Authorities note that Cauca and Valle del Cauca serve as a critical hub for illicit activities by illegal armed groups vying for control over maritime and riverine access routes to the port of Buenaventura, a key transit point for drug trafficking to Central America and Europe.
The government has blamed the attacks on the Jaime Martínez faction, a FARC dissident group operating in the region. A reward of over one million dollars has been offered for information leading to the capture of “Marlon,” identified as the group's leader in the area. The previous day, local authorities had offered more than $14,000 for information on those responsible for the attacks in Cali and Palmira.
