The Attack
An explosive device detonated on the Pan-American Highway in the El Túnel sector of Cajibío on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The blast killed at least 14 people and wounded at least 38 others, including five children. Videos from the scene showed a deep crater blown in the center of the road, with mangled vehicles including cars, trucks, and buses scattered around the impact site covered in dust and debris.
Part of Larger Wave
Colombian military officials described the highway bombing as part of a 'wave' of terror attacks occurring across southwestern Colombia. General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto confirmed that 26 terrorist actions took place over two days in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca departments. Other violent incidents were reported in El Túnel, El Tambo, Caloto, Popayán, Guachené, Mercaderes, and Miranda, including a shooting at a police station in Jamundi and an attack on a Civil Aviation radar facility in El Tambo.
Attribution and Motive
Colombia's Armed Forces blamed FARC dissident factions led by 'Iván Mordisco,' the nom de guerre of Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández. President Gustavo Petro called the perpetrators 'terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers' and demanded maximum worldwide pursuit against the narco-terrorist group. Military officials stated the attacks were in response to sustained government pressure on these groups' criminal operations.
FARC Background
FARC laid down its arms in 2016 and eventually disbanded following a peace agreement that ended over 50 years of conflict, which killed more than 220,000 people and displaced approximately 5 million Colombians. However, some former FARC members refused to engage in the peace process from the start and continued low-level insurgency in rural areas. These dissident factions include splinter groups that fight among themselves.
Government Response
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to the explosion scene to coordinate rescue efforts. Authorities initiated a national-level security council to address the situation. Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán issued an urgent call to national authorities to guarantee security, stating the country faced a terrorist escalation demanding immediate responses. The Colombian government offered a reward exceeding $1 million for information leading to the capture of 'Marlon,' identified as the leader of the region's dissident group. 
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