Death Toll Rises to 19 After Bomb Attack on Colombian Highway

The southwestern department of Cauca is once again the scene of a brutal attack that has shocked Colombia. Nineteen civilians lost their lives and dozens more were injured when a gas cylinder packed with explosives detonated on a stretch of the Pan-American Highway in the municipality of Cajibío. The explosion, which occurred on Saturday, also destroyed several vehicles and a portion of the vital roadway, disrupting traffic and causing widespread devastation.

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

Authorities have pointed fingers at FARC dissidents, a group that has continued to engage in armed activities despite the peace accords. The Colombian Army stated that the explosive device was launched by this group, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region. In response to the tragedy, the Governorate of Cauca has declared three days of official mourning, a somber acknowledgment of the immense loss suffered by the community.

The Institute of Legal Medicine (IML) has confirmed the grim toll and is actively engaged in the forensic process to identify all victims and determine the exact causes of death. Six interdisciplinary teams, comprising forensic doctors, dentists, anthropologists, and other specialists, are working diligently to provide answers to the grieving families. This meticulous work is crucial in the aftermath of such a devastating event, offering a measure of closure amidst the chaos.

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We deeply regret the events that occurred in the department of Cauca and report the initiation of forensic work on the 19 victims.

This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence plaguing Cauca. The Governorate's decree highlighted that this incident, coupled with other attacks on the same day, has resulted in over 48 civilians injured, including five minors. The report further detailed a complex public order situation exacerbated by consecutive terrorist actions in various municipalities, including Caloto, El Tambo, Guachené, Mercaderes, Miranda, Timbio, and Patía. The ongoing violence casts a dark shadow over the region, demanding urgent attention and effective solutions to restore peace and security for its inhabitants.

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The forensic work is being carried out with the participation of six interdisciplinary teams composed of forensic doctors, dentists, anthropologists, lofoscopistas, technicians, and support staff.