The death toll from a devastating highway bombing in southwestern Colombia has risen to 21, authorities confirmed on Monday, in what is being described as the country’s deadliest attack on civilians in decades.
The explosion, which occurred on Saturday in Cauca department, has been blamed by the government on dissident cocaine-trafficking rebels opposed to Colombia’s long-standing peace process.
Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez said 56 others were injured in the હુમ, which targeted a major roadway linking key المدن in the region. At least 15 women were among those killed.
The attack comes just weeks before Colombia heads to the polls for presidential elections scheduled for May 31, heightening concerns about security and political stability.
Military authorities reported at least 31 separate guerrilla attacks across the southwest over the weekend, marking a sharp escalation in violence ahead of the vote.
President Gustavo Petro blamed the bombing on Ivan Mordisco, one of the country’s most wanted figures and leader of a breakaway faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Petro compared him to notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.
The FARC, once Colombia’s largest rebel group, formally disbanded in 2016 after signing a historic peace agreement with the government.
However, splinter factions have continued armed operations, largely funded by cocaine production and trafficking.
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Military chief Hugo Lopez said the attackers blocked the highway using a bus and another vehicle before detonating the explosive, leaving a massive crater and overturning several cars.
Authorities believe the surge in attacks may be linked to increased military pressure on rebel groups. Minister Sanchez described the violence as a “terrorism wave” and accused the perpetrators of committing war crimes.
Analysts suggest the violence may also be part of a broader strategy to assert control and influence local dynamics.
Laura Bonilla of the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation said the attacks could be aimed at forcing concessions from authorities and communities.
Cauca remains a strategic stronghold for coca cultivation, the raw material for cocaine, making it a focal point for armed groups competing for control of lucrative trafficking routes.
With President Petro constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, the escalating insecurity has become a central issue in the race to choose his successor.
Right-wing candidates have pledged tougher action against armed groups, criticising the government’s handling of security.
Among them, Paloma Valencia accused the administration of allowing violence to worsen, while fellow conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has also called for a stronger crackdown.
They currently trail leftist senator Ivan Cepeda in opinion polls.
The latest violence follows a troubling pattern of political unrest. Last year, conservative candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot while campaigning in Bogotá and later died from his injuries, underscoring the risks facing candidates and voters alike.