Deadly Highway Bombing Claims 20 Lives

Southwestern Colombia’s Cauca department is a battleground for illegal armed groups that contest coca-leaf cultivation and drug-trafficking routes. Dissident FARC factions, notably the Iván Mordisco network and the Jaime Martínez faction, have rejected the 2016 peace accord and continue armed operations. The bombing occurred just over a month before the May 31 presidential election, a contest already marked by the June 2025 killing of conservative candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. Key officials include Governor Octavio Guzmán, Army Commander Gen. Hugo López, President Gustavo Petro and Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez.

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Violence escalated from a bomb attack on a Cali military base on April 24, to an initial report of 14 dead on April 25, to the bus bombing on April 26 that left 20 dead, and finally to a three-day mourning period declared on April 27 with reinforced security.

Highway bombing death toll rises to 20 in Colombia

The attack killed 20 civilians (15 women, 5 men), injured 36 (including three in ICU and five children), created a ~200 m³ crater, and was part of at least 26 attacks recorded in the region over the preceding 48 hours.

Highway bombing death toll rises to 20 in Colombia

Governor Guzmán declared three days of mourning and pledged heightened institutional presence. Gen. López labeled the blast a terrorist act and blamed the Iván Mordisco network. President Petro demanded a strong military response, calling the perpetrators terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers. Defense Minister Sánchez confirmed reinforced police and army deployments. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the attacks on civilians and warned that such violence threatens peace talks and undermines democratic processes.

Colombia Highway Bombing Kills 20 Amid Election Violence

Relatives gathered at the highway site, laying flowers and mourning the dead while forensic teams continued identification work.

Death toll from bus bombing in southwest Colombia rises to 20 during a wave of violence

Initial reports listed 14 fatalities and over 38 injuries; later updates confirmed 20 deaths and 36 injuries, while the forensic institute examined 19 bodies, leaving one victim unaccounted for.

Death toll from bus bombing in southwest Colombia rises to 20 during a wave of violence

• “most brutal and ruthless attack against the civilian population in decades” — Octavio Guzmán, Governor of Cauca

The Guardian

• “It is a terrorist attack against the civilian population,” — Gen. Hugo López, Commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces

The Guardian

• “Those who carried out this attack … are terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers,” — President Gustavo Petro

The Guardian

Security forces stay on heightened alert as the May 31 election approaches, and authorities have pledged continued investigations while candidates campaign under reinforced protection.

The Guardian