Full Breakdown
Deadly Highway Bombing in Cauca Sparks Record Reward and Heightened Security Ahead of Colombian Election
4/27/2026, 10:00:57 PM
Highway Bombing
An explosive device detonated on a bus on the Pan-American Highway near Cajibio, Cauca, on Saturday. The blast created a 200-cubic-metre crater, destroyed vehicles and killed 13-20 civilians, including 15 women, and injured 36-38 people, including children. The highway was closed for rescue work.
Context
The bombing is blamed on dissident FARC factions that rejected the 2016 peace deal and fund operations through drug trafficking. The area, a key corridor to Buenaventura, has seen a surge of violence ahead of the May 31 election, following the June 2025 killing of opposition candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay.
Actors
President Gustavo Petro called the bombers “terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers.” Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a 5 billion-peso reward for “Marlon,” identified as Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, a leader under Iván Mordisco (Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández). Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán called the blast the most brutal in decades; Gen. Hugo López called it a terrorist act. Valle del Cauca Governor Francisca Toro urged reinforced security forces.
Data
Official counts differ: 13 deaths (NBC) vs 20 deaths (BBC/Guardian) and 36 injuries (Guardian) vs 38 injuries (NBC). The crater was about 200 cubic metres. The government offered a 5 billion-peso reward (? $1.4 million), also called “more than $1 million,” plus a $14,000 bounty for related attacks. Authorities logged 26 attacks in the two departments.
Response
Petro ordered troops, urged financial authorities to block the group’s transactions, and called for a pursuit. Sánchez pledged the reward for “Marlon” and promised a firm response. Guzmán vowed presence. López said the bomb exploded after assailants blocked traffic with a bus. Toro demanded security forces, intelligence and decisive actions.
Criticism
Right-wing candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia pledged tougher security measures, contrasting with Petro’s negotiation stance. Left-leaning candidate Iván Cepeda supports continued talks. Critics warn the violence threatens election fairness and call for a strategy beyond military action.
Conflicts
Sources differ on casualty figures—13 vs 20 dead; 36 vs 38 injured—and on the exact reward amount. No public evidence has been released linking “Marlon” or Mordisco to the bombing, leaving attribution based on government statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These criminals seek to instill fear, but we will respond with firmness,” — Pedro Sánchez, Defence Minister
- “It is a tragedy that tears us apart as a department and deeply mourns our families,” — Octavio Guzmán, Governor of Cauca
- “I want the best soldiers to confront them, I want the Cauca people to free themselves from this mafia,” — Gustavo Petro, President
- “terrorist act” — Gen. Hugo López, Commander of the Armed Forces
Future
Investigation continues as the 31 May vote approaches, with a possible run-off on 21 June. The reward stays active and security forces have been reinforced in Cauca and Valle del Cauca.
