Southwestern Colombia has once again been plunged into horror. On Saturday, a bomb explosion on a highway in the department of Cauca killed at least 14 people and injured 38 , including five minors. The exceptionally violent attack destroyed about ten vehicles.

FARC dissidents singled out

Local and national authorities have identified the main FARC splinter group, led by the country's most wanted man, Ivan Mordisco , as responsible for the massacre. This group, which rejected the 2016 peace agreement, has been escalating its offensives in this region, which is strategic for drug trafficking.

President Gustavo Petro reacted strongly on the X network:

"Those who committed this attack are terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers. I want the best soldiers to confront them."

A climate of war before the presidential election

This attack is part of a wave of coordinated violence shaking the country in the lead-up to the presidential election scheduled for May 31, 2026. Security has become the crucial issue of the campaign, particularly since the assassination of candidate Miguel Uribe in June 2025.

The current political context:

1. End of term: Gustavo Petro is preparing to hand over the reins.
2. Favorites: Senator Iván Cepeda (Petro's runner-up) leads the polls, closely followed by right-wing candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia .
3. Threats: The three main contenders are subject to increased security measures following death threats.

A region under tension

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez announced an immediate reinforcement of the military presence in the Cauca Valley. This area is plagued by chronic instability where armed groups use terror to influence democratic processes and protect their income from drug trafficking and extortion.