Bombing in Colombia Claims 20 Lives
The tragic death toll from a bombing in southwest Colombia has increased to 20, as reported by officials on Sunday. The attack took place on Saturday when an explosive device detonated on a bus along the Pan-American Highway in the municipality of Cajibio. According to Octavio Guzmán, the governor of Cauca, the victims include 15 women and five men.
So far, 36 others have been injured, with three in critical condition. Among the injured are five minors who are expected to recover. Authorities from Colombia’s Institute of Legal Medicine are working to identify the victims with the help of various specialists.
In recent comments on social media, Guzmán expressed his sorrow over the incident and highlighted the ongoing violence in the region. The Cauca area has seen more than two dozen violent events in the past few days, primarily linked to illegal armed groups competing for control over coca leaf cultivation and trafficking routes.
Colombia’s armed forces commander, Gen. Hugo López, labeled the bombing as a “terrorist act.” He pointed fingers at dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) led by a man known as “Iván Mordisco.”
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the violence against civilians and urged for thorough investigations to ensure justice for the victims. In honor of those lost, Governor Guzmán declared three days of mourning starting Sunday.
