A powerful explosive device detonated on a busy section of the Pan-American Highway in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than 38 others, including five children, according to local authorities. 

The blast occurred in the El Túnel sector of Cajibío municipality, in Cauca department, tearing a deep crater into the road and destroying or damaging multiple vehicles, including a public bus carrying civilians. Many of the victims were humble farmers and local residents traveling the route linking Cali and Popayán. 

Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán described the incident as “an indiscriminate attack against the civilian population.” In posts on X, he detailed the explosion’s impact and later updated that the death toll had risen as rescue efforts continued. Videos circulating on social media showed mangled cars, trucks, and buses covered in dust and debris, with emergency responders working around the large crater left in the highway. 

The attack forms part of a broader “wave of terror attacks” across Cauca and neighboring Valle del Cauca departments this weekend, officials said. Colombia’s Armed Forces Commander, General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto, reported multiple violent incidents in areas including El Túnel, El Tambo, Caloto, Popayán, Guachené, Mercaderes, and Miranda, attributing the surge to dissident factions of the former FARC guerrilla group, often linked to drug trafficking and criminal structures in the coca-growing region. 

President Gustavo Petro condemned the assault, labeling those responsible as “terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers.” He noted that several victims were Indigenous people. The violence comes just weeks before Colombia’s presidential election, raising concerns about escalating insecurity in conflict-affected areas. 

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to the scene to coordinate rescue and security operations. A national-level security council has been convened to address the crisis, with high-ranking officials, including regional governors, involved in the response. Sánchez stated that authorities would respond “with firmness” to those seeking to instill fear. 

Guzmán issued an urgent appeal for stronger national support, warning of a “terrorist escalation that demands immediate responses.” He emphasized that Cauca cannot continue facing such barbarity alone and called for decisive action to guarantee security for residents. 

The region has long been plagued by armed groups, including FARC dissidents who refused to join the 2016 peace deal. Officials have linked recent incidents to figures such as “Iván Mordisco” and other criminal leaders operating in the area. Road blockades involving hijacked vehicles and graffiti referencing FARC were reportedly associated with some of the attacks. 

Rescue operations remain ongoing, and the death toll could rise as some of the injured are in critical condition. Traffic on the affected section of the Pan-American Highway was disrupted, with authorities working to clear the site and restore order.This latest tragedy underscores the persistent challenges of violence and instability in southwestern Colombia despite years of peace efforts. National and local leaders have pledged a robust response to protect civilians and curb the resurgence of armed groups. (ILKHA)