19 Civilians Killed in Bomb Attack on Colombia's Pan-American Highway

The Vía Panamericana in Colombia's Cauca department became the scene of a horrific tragedy on April 25, 2026, when a bomb attack claimed the lives of 19 civilians. The incident, which occurred at a stretch known as El Túnel in the municipality of Cajibío, involved a cylinder packed with explosives, reportedly launched by dissident FARC elements. The explosive device landed on a bus, causing widespread destruction to other vehicles and a portion of the vital highway. The regional government has declared three days of mourning for the victims, highlighting the profound impact of this attack on the community. The Institute of Legal Medicine is working diligently to identify the deceased and determine the exact causes of death, deploying specialized forensic teams. This act of violence has exacerbated an already complex public order situation in Cauca, with authorities pointing fingers at the Jaime Martínez column, led by Iván Idrobo Arredondo, alias Marlon, as the perpetrators. In response, the Ministry of Defense has announced a significant military reinforcement in the area, deploying additional armored cavalry, infantry units, and police to patrol the Pan-American Highway and combat the escalating violence.

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According to preliminary reports, this atrocious event leaves a painful toll of 19 civilian deaths.