Bus Explosion in Southwestern Colombia Kills 13, Injures 38 Amid Rising Violence

An explosive device detonated on a bus traveling along the Pan-American Highway in Cajibío, Cauca, southwestern Colombia, on Saturday, resulting in 13 fatalities and 38 injuries.

Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán reported that the explosion occurred in the El Túnel sector of Cajibío. Among the injured were five children, according to Cauca Health Secretary Carolina Camargo.

General Hugo López, commander of Colombia's Armed Forces, described the incident as a "terrorist act" and attributed it to dissident groups formerly associated with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), specifically the Jaime Martínez faction led by Iván Mordisco.

President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, stating that those responsible are "terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers."

This incident is part of a series of violent acts in the region, with 26 attacks reported in recent days targeting public infrastructure, including police stations and radar facilities.

In response, Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez and regional leaders convened in Palmira to address the escalating violence. Authorities have offered a reward exceeding $1 million for information leading to the capture of "Marlon," identified as a leader of the dissident group.

Cauca and Valle del Cauca are strategic areas for illegal armed groups due to their access routes to the port of Buenaventura, a key transit point for drug trafficking to Central America and Europe.