At least 14 people have died and over 38 others were injured, including five children, after a bomb exploded on a busy road in southwestern Colombia. This tragic event is part of a recent surge in violence, as Colombian officials reported multiple terror attacks over the weekend.
The explosion occurred on the Pan-American Highway in the El Túnel area of Cajibío. Governor Octavio Guzmán described it as an “indiscriminate attack against civilians.” He emphasized the urgent need for national authorities to ensure safety.
Emergency responders are working hard at the scene. Videos on social media show the destruction, with a massive crater in the road and vehicles damaged around the area. Guzmán noted that Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez was present to oversee rescue efforts and that a national security council is being formed to address the situation.
Reports indicate that violence also erupted in other regions, including El Túnel and Popayán. General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto labeled these incidents as part of a “wave of attacks” linked to dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), particularly led by Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, known as “Iván Mordisco.”
FARC, a group that laid down its arms in 2016 following a peace deal, aimed to end over 50 years of conflict. Unfortunately, some members rejected surrendering and have continued their violent activities. López Barreto stated that these recent attacks have resulted from government pressure on these criminal groups.
Over just two days, authorities reported 26 attacks affecting civilians in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca departments. President Gustavo Petro has called for a global effort against this group, tying them to drug trafficking and labeling their actions as terrorist acts. He expressed his outrage over the casualties among civilians, many of whom belong to indigenous communities.
This spike in violence raises alarm about the ongoing struggle for peace in Colombia. As the government confronts these criminal factions, the need for community support and robust security measures becomes more critical than ever.
For more detailed insights on Colombia’s conflict dynamics, you can refer to the Council on Foreign Relations report.
This tragic event is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in the region and the importance of addressing the root causes of violence.
