BOGOTA, Colombia — Officials confirmed Sunday that fatalities from an explosive attack on a passenger bus in Colombia’s turbulent southwest region have climbed to 20 victims.
The deadly incident occurred Saturday when a bomb exploded aboard a bus traveling the Pan-American Highway in Cajibio municipality. Regional Governor Octavio Guzmán reported that the casualties include 15 women and five men.
In a post on X, Guzmán stated that 36 additional people suffered injuries in the blast, with three currently receiving intensive care treatment. The governor also mentioned that five injured children are anticipated to make full recoveries.
Specialists from Colombia’s Institute of Legal Medicine, including dental experts, anthropologists and forensic physicians, are working to identify those killed in the explosion.
This devastating attack represents just the most recent incident of violence plaguing the area, where authorities have documented more than 24 separate attacks over the past 72 hours across southwestern Colombia. The territory serves as a battleground for illegal militant organizations fighting for dominance over coca cultivation zones and strategic waterway passages used for narcotics smuggling to Central America and Europe.
Armed Forces Commander Gen. Hugo López characterized the bombing as a “terrorist act” and attributed responsibility to the criminal network led by “Iván Mordisco” — among Colombia’s most sought fugitives — along with the Jaime Martínez faction. Both organizations represent splinter groups from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia operating throughout the region.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement condemning the violence targeting civilians and urged government officials to conduct thorough investigations while ensuring “justice for the victims.”
Governor Guzmán announced Sunday that the region would observe three days of official mourning to honor those who perished in the attack.
