At least 14 people were killed and more than 38 others injured, including five children, in a bombing on the Pan-American Highway in Colombia’s southwestern Cauca region on Saturday. The explosion occurred near the El Tunel area of Cajibío, spreading panic across the region as multiple blasts and violent incidents were reported. Regional governor Octavio Guzmán confirmed the death toll and condemned the attack as an indiscriminate act of terrorism against civilians.

Colombian Armed Forces Commander General Hugo López described the incident as a terrorist attack, linking it to networks led by Iván Mordisco and the Jaime Martínez group. President Gustavo Petro strongly denounced the attackers, calling them terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers. Videos shared on social media showed destroyed vehicles and debris scattered across the road.

Valle del Cauca Governor Francisca Toro requested urgent federal assistance, including additional security forces and enhanced intelligence surveillance. Authorities noted that the Cauca and Valle del Cauca regions have long been strongholds for illegal armed groups competing for control of drug trafficking routes through the Buenaventura port.