A deadly roadside bombing occurred on a busy highway in Colombia, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuring 20 others. The attack took place on the Pan-American highway in the southwestern region of the country, causing significant damage as depicted in social media posts.
Governor Octavio Guzmán of Cauca state condemned the incident as an “indiscriminate attack on civilians.” He reported that an explosive device was detonated in the El Túnel area of Cajibío, leading to the tragic loss of seven lives and over 17 serious injuries initially, with later updates raising the number of injured to 20. Guzmán expressed deep sorrow over the attack, referring to it as a heartbreaking event that deeply affects the community.
The bombing is part of a series of violent acts attributed to dissident factions of the disbanded guerrilla group FARC. These factions, who rejected a peace agreement in 2016, are now believed to be disrupting peace negotiations with President Gustavo Petro. Security concerns have become a central issue in the upcoming presidential election on May 31, following another bomb attack that injured two individuals at a military base in Cali.
Governor Guzmán called for urgent action in response to the escalating crisis, stressing the need for government intervention to address the dire public order situation. He highlighted the strain on the healthcare system, the uncertainty surrounding the Pan-American Highway, and the efforts of the security forces in various areas affected by the violence. The governor emphasized the community’s determination to resist fear and uphold the rule of law in the face of ongoing threats.