Full Breakdown
Deadly Highway Bombing Highlights Renewed FARC Dissident Violence in Southwestern Colombia
4/28/2026, 8:52:28 AM
The Attack and Immediate Toll
On Saturday an explosive device detonated on the Pan-American Highway in the El Túnel sector of Cajibío, Cauca department, creating a large crater and destroying several buses, trucks and cars. Reported fatalities range from 13 to 21 victims, while injuries are reported as 36-38, including five children. Regional officials described the blast as “indiscriminate” and “the most brutal and ruthless attack against the civilian population in decades.”
Background: 2016 Peace Deal and Dissident FARC Groups
The 2016 peace agreement that demobilised most members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) left several factions outside the accord. One such faction, the FARC-EMC, is led by Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, known as “Iván Mordisco.” The group continues illegal mining, drug trafficking and extortion, especially in the strategic corridors of Cauca and Valle del Cauca that link the Pacific port of Buenaventura to inland markets.
Key Actors
- Iván Mordisco – Leader of the dissident FARC-EMC.
- “Marlon” (Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo) – Alleged commander of the local rebel cell blamed for the highway bombing.
- President Gustavo Petro – Colombia’s head of state, former guerrilla member, pursuing a “total peace” strategy.
- Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez – Coordinated rescue efforts and announced a 5 billion-peso reward for information on “Marlon.”
- Governor Octavio Guzmán – Governor of Cauca, provided on-site updates.
- General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto – Commander of the Colombian Military Forces, reported 26 “terrorist actions.”
- Presidential candidate Iván Cepeda – Petro’s endorsed left-wing contender, called for investigation of the attacks.
- Javier Garay – Political-science professor, critic of the government’s peace policy.
Timeline of the Violence
- Friday – Explosive devices detonated near military units in Cali and Palmira; a bus-borne bomb failed to explode.
- Saturday – Highway bombing in Cajibío; simultaneous attacks on a police station in Jamundi and a civil-aviation radar in El Tambo; three drone-laden explosives were neutralised.
- Sunday – General López Barreto announced 26 terrorist actions across 12 municipalities; a national security council was convened.
- Following days – Defence Minister Sánchez travelled to the blast site; the 5 billion-peso reward for “Marlon” was publicised.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 13–21 confirmed.
- Injured: 36–38, including five children.
- Reward: 5 billion pesos (? US $1.4 million).
- Reported incidents: 26 terrorist actions over two days, affecting 12 municipalities.
- Criminal networks: Control of drug-trafficking routes to the port of Buenaventura.
Why It Matters
The attacks occur weeks before Colombia’s presidential election on 31 May, intensifying security debates. Opposition candidates have pledged a harder line against dissidents, while Petro’s “total peace” approach faces scrutiny. The violence also threatens the drug-trafficking corridors that fund armed groups and has prompted a joint security agreement with Venezuela along their 1,370-mile border.
Official Statements & Responses
President Petro labelled the perpetrators “terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers” and called for a global pursuit of the “narco-terrorist” network. Defence Minister Sánchez pledged a firm response and announced the record reward for “Marlon.” Governor Guzmán characterised the bombing as an indiscriminate act against civilians and urged the national security council to act. General López Barreto framed the wave of attacks as retaliation to intensified government pressure on criminal structures.
Criticism & Opposition
Presidential candidate Iván Cepeda warned that the attacks could be intended to influence the election and demanded a thorough investigation. Political scientist Javier Garay described the government’s peace policy as “naïve,” arguing that ceasefires have allowed rebels to regroup. Right-wing contenders have called for increased military pressure, contrasting with Petro’s negotiation-focused stance.
On-the-Ground Reports
Red Cross teams and local rescue workers operated at the crater’s edge, treating victims and clearing debris. Witnesses reported a blast powerful enough to knock people several metres backward and described a crater roughly 200 metres long.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the death toll (13, 14, 20, 21) and injury count (36 vs 38). The exact identity of the bomb’s planners remains unverified; officials have attributed responsibility to “Mordisco’s” network without presenting forensic evidence. The reward amount is consistently reported as 5 billion pesos, but some outlets mention an additional US $14,000 incentive for information on attacks in Cali and Palmira.
Verbatim Quotes
- “An explosive device was detonated on the Pan-American Highway, in the El Túnel sector of Cajibío, in an indiscriminate attack against the civilian population,” — Octavio Guzmán, Governor of Cauca
- “We are facing a terrorist escalation that demands immediate responses,” — Octavio Guzmán, Governor of Cauca
- “These criminals seek to instill fear, but we will respond with firmness,” — Pedro Sánchez, Defence Minister
- “I want our very best soldiers to confront them,” — Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
- “The government’s peace policy has been naïve,” — Javier Garay, Political Science Professor, Externado University
- “It is worrying that these terrorist actions are happening in a region where there is ample support for our political project,” — Iván Cepeda, Presidential Candidate
What’s Next
A national security council will review the wave of attacks, and authorities plan intensified intelligence operations in Cauca and Valle del Cauca. The joint Colombia-Venezuela border initiative is expected to be operational before the May election, while the upcoming vote will determine whether Petro’s peace agenda or a tougher security platform will guide future policy.
