Explosive device kills 13, injures 38 on bus in southwestern Colombia as violence persists

Defense minister Pedro Sánchez said military and police deployments were stepped up across affected areas as security has become a central issue ahead of the May 31 presidential election.

Authorities blamed dissident factions of the former FARC for the attack. President Gustavo Petro posted on X calling those responsible terrorists and drug traffickers and linked the attack to Iván Mordisco, Colombia’s most-wanted fugitive.

A bomb detonated after assailants halted traffic by using a bus and another vehicle to block the Pan-American Highway in Cauca department. At least 14 people were killed and 38 injured, including five minors. Rescue teams were searching for missing persons as emergency crews worked at the scene.

During campaigning in Bogotá, conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot in broad daylight, highlighting political violence linked to the election.

A device detonated while a bus was traveling along the Panamerican Highway in the municipality of Cajibio, Cauca, southwestern Colombia, killing 13 people and injuring at least 38. The army chief described the attack as a terrorist act, amid escalating violence linked to drug trafficking in the region.