The death toll from a devastating cylinder bomb attack on the Vía Panamericana in southwest Colombia has risen to 14 victims, all of whom were civilians. Governor Octavio Guzmán of the Cauca department also reported that 38 people were injured, including five minors.
Devastation in Cajibío
The explosion occurred in the sector known as El Túnel, located in the municipality of Cajibío. According to the Army, a cylinder loaded with explosives was launched, striking a bus directly and destroying several other vehicles.
Governor Guzmán described the event as a tragedy that deeply grieves the region. He noted that the blast caused grave damage to the department’s road infrastructure, specifically destroying a section of the Vía Panamericana.
A Pattern of Regional Violence
This attack follows a series of violent events in the southwest of the country. On the previous Friday, cylinder bombs were used in attacks against two military battalions in Cali and Palmira, located in the neighboring Valle del Cauca department.
The Army has linked the Saturday bombing in Cauca and the Friday attacks in Cali and Palmira to the same group: the Jaime Martínez column of the EMC, the primary FARC dissident faction.
Government and International Response
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez arrived in Popayán, the capital of Cauca, accompanied by top military and police leadership. The Minister traveled from Cali to coordinate a strategy to locate the criminals responsible for these acts.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ office in Colombia issued a strong condemnation of the indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Cauca and Valle del Cauca. The office emphasized that such actions are strictly prohibited under International Humanitarian Law (DIH).
Potential Next Steps
Authorities in Popayán may now define specific military and police actions aimed at apprehending the perpetrators. The government could increase efforts to capture the leadership of the EMC, while the UN has urged authorities to grab further measures to protect the civilian population and prevent recurring violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the attack on the Vía Panamericana?
The Colombian Army attributed the attack to the Jaime Martínez column of the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), which is the main FARC dissident group led by Néstor Gregorio Vera, alias “Iván Mordisco.”
What was the impact of the explosion in Cajibío?
The attack resulted in 14 civilian deaths and 38 injuries, including five minors. It destroyed a section of the Vía Panamericana, a bus, and several other vehicles.
How did the United Nations respond to the violence?
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the indiscriminate attacks, stating they are prohibited by International Humanitarian Law (DIH), and called on the government to protect the population.
How can governments better protect civilian infrastructure from the use of improvised explosive devices in conflict zones?
