In recent news, Colombia has witnessed a tragic increase in violence linked to drug trafficking, culminating in a devastating attack that claimed numerous lives. The troubling events highlight the ongoing struggles faced by communities in regions affected by crime and insecurity.
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — An explosive device killed 13 people traveling on a bus in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, an attack the country’s army chief described as a “terrorist act” that also left at least 38 injured as violence linked to drug trafficking in the region escalates.
Octavio Guzmán, the governor of the region of Cauca, stated on X that the device was detonated while the bus was traveling along the Panamerican Highway in the municipality of Cajibio. Five children were among the injured, as noted by Cauca Health Secretary Carolina Camargo during an interview with Noticias Caracol, a TV news program.
Gen. Hugo López, commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces, addressed the press, labeling the incident a “terrorist act” and attributing responsibility to the network led by a man known as “Iván Mordisco” — one of Colombia’s most wanted individuals — as well as the Jaime Martínez faction. Both groups are dissidents of the dissolved Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia that continue to operate in the area.
Neither Iván Mordisco nor the Jaime Martínez faction adheres to the peace agreement established with the government in 2016.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack on X.
“Those who carried out the attack and killed seven civilians — and wounded 17 others — in Cajibío — many of them Indigenous people — are terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers,” he wrote.
The attack is part of a troubling trend of violence targeting public infrastructure. In the last 48 hours, at least 26 incidents have been reported in southwestern Colombia, all of which, according to López, have primarily affected civilians.
These incidents include a shooting at a police station in the rural area of Jamundi and an assault on a Civil Aviation radar facility in El Tambo, where authorities neutralized three drones laden with explosives earlier on Saturday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
On Friday, two vehicles loaded with explosives were detonated near military units in Cali and Palmira, resulting in material damage.
The surge in violence in the region — contested by illegal armed groups linked to drug trafficking — has led to the mobilization of high-ranking officials. A delegation led by Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, which includes regional governors and local authorities, was meeting in Palmira when the fatal explosion occurred.
“These criminals seek to instill fear, but we will respond with firmness,” Sánchez wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Francisca Toro, the governor of Valle del Cauca, has urged the national government to provide “immediate support.” In a message posted on X, Toro called for bolstered public security forces, enhanced intelligence operations, and “decisive actions” against crime in response to a perceived “terrorist-level escalation.”
Authorities report that Cauca and Valle del Cauca are critical areas for illicit activities conducted by illegal armed groups vying for control over vital sea and river access routes leading to the port of Buenaventura — a major transit point for drug trafficking to Central America and Europe.
The government has also announced a reward of over 1 million dollars for information leading to the capture of “Marlon,” identified as the leader of the region’s dissident group. On Friday, local authorities offered more than $14,000 for insights into the individuals involved in the attacks in Cali and Palmira.
Key Takeaways
- A recent bombing on a bus in Colombia resulted in 13 fatalities and numerous injuries.
- Officials attribute the attack to Iván Mordisco and the Jaime Martínez faction, both of which reject the 2016 peace agreement.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators “terrorists” and “drug traffickers.”
- The violence is part of a wider pattern of attacks against public infrastructure in southwestern Colombia.
- The government has implemented rewards for information related to the criminal groups involved.
FAQ
What was the recent incident in Colombia?
An explosive device detonated on a bus, killing 13 and injuring at least 38 people.
Who is responsible for the attack?
The attack is linked to criminal networks led by Iván Mordisco and the Jaime Martínez faction, which operate in the region.
What has the Colombian government done in response?
The government has mobilized high-ranking officials and offered rewards for information on those responsible for the attack and related violence.
Why is the region significant for illegal activities?
Cauca and Valle del Cauca are strategic locations for armed groups involved in drug trafficking to the port of Buenaventura.
As violence intensifies, the government responses and community support become more critical to restoring safety and security in the impacted areas.
