A cylinder bomb exploded on Saturday against a passenger bus on the Panamericana road, in the municipality of Cajibío, Cauca department. The attack left at least 19 dead and around 48 injured, according to updates from authorities. Civis were the main victims. The incident occurred in the sector known as El Túnel.
Governor Octavio Guzmán reported the gradual increase in casualties over the following hours. Rescue Equipes worked at the scene to remove bodies and tend to survivors. The road was closed indefinitely.
Ataque occurred amid a wave of violence in the southwest
The artifact hit several vehicles that were traveling along the main connection between Popayán and Cali. Testemunhas reported a strong detonation followed by destruction on the runway.
- The explosive fell on a public service bus
- Outros private cars were also affected by the shock wave
- Pelo five children are among the injured
- Autoridades confirmed that all victims were civilians
- The place records a strong presence of armed groups in the region
The incident is part of a sequence of violent actions recorded over the weekend.
Autoridades points to dissent from Farc as responsible
President Gustavo Petro attributed the attack to the Jaime Martínez column, linked to the dissent of the Farc led by the alias Iván Mordisco. Ele published a message on social media demanding persecution of the group.
Petro classified the perpetrators as narco-terrorists. The president asked for the best soldiers to be sent to the area. Governor Guzmán decreed three days of mourning in the department. Ele described the episode as a tragedy that affects the entire local population.
Escalada of attacks precedes presidential election
The attack takes place just over a month before the presidential elections scheduled for May 31. The Colombian Constituição does not allow re-election. Vários candidates have already condemned the fact.
The total peace strategy promoted by the Petro government includes negotiations with armed factions. Muitos agreements have resulted in intermittent ceasefires. However, dissidents from Farc that did not adhere to the 2017 process maintain operations in the country. Involvement in drug trafficking is identified as the main source of financing.
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Resposta of the security forces mobilizes operation
Exército and Polícia began offensive actions in the region after the attack. The Panamericana route was closed for forensic examination and debris removal. Hospitais in the area went on alert for injuries.
Equipes investigation seeks to identify those directly responsible for the action. The use of cylinder bombs is a recurring tactic in conflicts in the area. Autoridades works to restore normal traffic as quickly as possible.
Histórico tension in Cauca reinforces regional alert
The department has accumulated episodes of violence in recent years. The presence of dissident groups creates constant challenges for public authorities. Moradores live with daily risk on roads and rural areas.
Saturday’s attack is considered the most serious of the current election season. Candidatos from different political currents expressed solidarity with the families of the victims. The debate on security should gain strength in the next few days of the campaign.