At least 14 killed and dozens injured as 11 attacks hit southwest Colombia within 24 hours

Colombian authorities have deployed security forces across the southwest following a سلسلة de ataques that left at least 14 civilians dead and dozens injured over the past 24 hours, according to official reports.

The violence has been concentrated in strategic transport corridors, police stations and military installations in the departments of Cauca and Valle del Cauca. In response, Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez convened an extraordinary security council alongside senior military and police officials.

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Attacks Across Strategic Areas

The deadliest incident occurred Saturday in Cajibío, Cauca, where a cylinder bomb detonated on a bus in the El Túnel sector, killing 14 civilians and injuring 38 others. The explosion also destroyed part of the Pan-American Highway, a key route connecting Cali and Popayán.

The escalation began Friday with an attack outside the Third Brigade headquarters at the Pichincha Military Canton in southern Cali. In Palmira, another हमला using explosive cylinders targeted the Agustín Codazzi battalion.

Early Saturday, further incidents were reported. Armed men using rifles and grenades carried out an attack in Potrerito, a rural area of Jamundí, while another armed action involving gunfire and drones took place in Robles, also in Jamundí.

Authorities also confirmed a drone carrying explosives struck a police base in Santa Ana, in the municipality of El Tambo, Cauca, causing material damage but no reported injuries.

In a separate incident, an armed group attacked the Santana radar facility in El Tambo, used to monitor air traffic in the region, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Additional attacks included an explosive device detonated on the Pan-American Highway in Mercaderes, injuring eight people, as well as the burning of sugarcane transport trains in Miranda. Road blockades using dump trucks were also reported in Cajibío.

Authorities said the actions involved armed harassment, improvised explosive devices, drone attacks and road obstructions. In Popayán, the army reported neutralizing a drone carrying explosives before it reached its target.

Text Reads: A fateful April 25th. My solidarity and full commitment to not let ourselves be intimidated, people of Cauca.

Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán said, “we will not allow violent actors to continue imposing fear and challenging the State. We are acting and addressing this situation with all our capacity.”

Military and Government Response

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government aims to “focus all State capabilities, reinforce the presence of the Public Force and accelerate the identification and capture of those responsible for the recent terrorist attacks in the department.”

Authorities reiterated that a reward of up to 4.5 billion pesos (approximately $1.2 million) is being offered for information leading to the location of alias “Marlon,” identified as one of the main figures behind the attacks.

Text Reads: Authorities are searching for alias “Marlon,” the main perpetrator of the massacre of women, children, the elderly, and innocent bystanders in the terrorist attack on the Pan-American Highway near the tunnel in Cajibío, Cauca, on April 25, 2026. / We express our solidarity with the victims and their families. / Let us unite in a strong condemnation of these terrorists, who represent a threat to democracy and the country.

Officials indicated the wave of violence may be linked to ongoing military operations aimed at weakening armed groups operating in the region.

The situation remains under close monitoring as security forces continue operations in affected areas.

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Una publicación compartida por Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez Suárez (@pedrosanchezcol)

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