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  • Deadly Bus Bombing in Colombia Kills 13 as Drug-Linked Violence Escalates

    Deadly Bus Bombing in Colombia Kills 13 as Drug-Linked Violence Escalates

    At least 13 people have been killed and 38 others injured after an explosive device detonated on a passenger bus in southwestern Colombia, in what authorities have described as a terrorist attack tied to escalating violence in the region.

    The blast occurred along the Pan-American Highway in the municipality of Cajibío, located in the conflict-ridden Cauca region. Local officials confirmed that the explosion struck while the bus was in motion, causing significant casualties, including injuries to several children.

    Colombia’s military leadership attributed the attack to dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), specifically groups aligned with a notorious figure known as “Iván Mordisco.” These factions rejected the country’s 2016 peace agreement and continue to operate in areas heavily influenced by drug trafficking networks.

    President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, describing those responsible as terrorists and vowing a firm response. Authorities say the bombing is part of a broader surge in coordinated violence across southwestern Colombia, with at least 26 incidents reported over a two-day period.

    Recent attacks have targeted both civilians and infrastructure, including a police station shooting in Jamundí and an attempted strike on an aviation radar facility in El Tambo, where explosives-laden drones were intercepted. Additional car bombings near military installations in Cali and Palmira have further heightened tensions.

    The Cauca and Valle del Cauca regions remain strategic zones for illegal armed groups seeking control over key trafficking routes դեպի the Pacific port of Buenaventura, a major gateway for narcotics bound for international markets.

    In response to the worsening security situation, Colombia’s government has mobilized senior officials and increased security measures in affected areas. Authorities have also announced a reward exceeding $1 million for information leading to the capture of a suspected regional leader known as “Marlon.”

    Officials warn that the latest attack underscores a growing security crisis fueled by organized crime and insurgent activity, with civilians increasingly caught in the crossfire.

  • Deadly Bus Bombing in Colombia Kills 7 as Violence Escalates in Cauca Region

    Deadly Bus Bombing in Colombia Kills 7 as Violence Escalates in Cauca Region

    At least seven people have been killed and more than 17 injured after an explosive device detonated on a bus traveling through southwest Colombia, in what authorities are calling a terrorist attack amid a surge in regional violence.

    The blast occurred along the Pan-American Highway in Cajibío, located in the Cauca department, a region increasingly affected by armed group activity. Local officials confirmed the device exploded while the bus was in motion, causing significant casualties, many of them civilians, including Indigenous residents.

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, describing those responsible as terrorists and linking the violence to drug trafficking networks operating in the area.

    Military officials, including General Hugo López, attributed the attack to dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, specifically groups associated with a figure known as “Iván Mordisco.” These factions rejected the 2016 peace agreement and continue to engage in armed conflict across parts of the country.

    The bombing is part of a broader wave of violence in southwest Colombia, with at least 26 criminal incidents reported in recent days. These include attempted attacks on public infrastructure, such as a police station in Jamundí and a civil aviation radar facility in El Tambo, where authorities intercepted explosive-laden drones.

    Additional incidents on Friday saw vehicles rigged with explosives detonate near military units in Cali and Palmira, causing property damage but no reported injuries.

    The escalation has prompted urgent action from government officials, with Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez leading a high-level security response alongside regional authorities. Officials have called for increased military presence, enhanced intelligence operations, and decisive measures to curb the violence.

    Authorities say the Cauca and Valle del Cauca regions are strategic corridors for illegal armed groups competing for control of drug trafficking routes, particularly access to the Pacific port of Buenaventura, a key hub for shipments bound for Central America and Europe.

    The government has announced a reward exceeding $1 million for information leading to the capture of a suspected regional leader known as “Marlon,” believed to be behind the attacks.

    As violence intensifies, Colombian authorities face mounting pressure to restore stability in a region long plagued by armed conflict and organized crime.