Colombian Bus Bombing Claims 20 Lives Amid Surge in Regional Violence

An explosive device detonated on a bus traveling along the Pan-American Highway in Cajibío, Cauca, on Saturday, resulting in 20 fatalities and 36 injuries. Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán reported that the victims included 15 women and five men, with three of the injured in intensive care and five minors expected to recover.

The attack is part of a series of over two dozen violent incidents in southwestern Colombia over the past three days. The region is contested by illegal armed groups vying for control over coca cultivation areas and drug trafficking routes.

General Hugo López, commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces, described the incident as a "terrorist act" attributed to dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), specifically the Jaime Martínez group led by "Iván Mordisco."

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the attacks on civilians and urged authorities to investigate and ensure justice for the victims.

In response, Governor Guzmán declared three days of mourning to honor the victims.