Explosion Tears Through Public Bus Killing 13 and Injuring at Least 38

A deadly explosion ripped through a passenger bus in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, killing at least 13 people and leaving dozens more injured in what officials are calling a shocking act of terrorism tied to the country’s escalating drug war.

The blast happened along the busy Pan-American Highway in the municipality of Cajibío, a region already on edge from rising violence. Authorities say the explosive device was detonated as the bus was in motion, turning a routine trip into a devastating scene of chaos and destruction.

At least 38 people were injured in the attack, including five children, according to local health officials. Emergency crews rushed victims to nearby hospitals as families scrambled for answers.

Regional governor Octavio Guzmán confirmed the details in a statement, while Colombia’s armed forces quickly pointed the finger at dissident rebel groups operating in the area.

General Hugo López, commander of Colombia’s military, described the bombing as a “terrorist act,” blaming forces linked to Iván Mordisco—one of the country’s most wanted men—and the Jaime Martínez faction. Both groups are made up of former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia who rejected the 2016 peace deal and continue to operate in drug-heavy regions.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro strongly condemned the attack, calling those responsible “terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers” in a fiery response.

The bus bombing is just the latest in a wave of violence sweeping across southwestern Colombia. In the past 48 hours alone, officials say at least 26 separate attacks have targeted infrastructure and security forces—though civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire.

Among the incidents were a shooting at a police station in the rural area of Jamundí and an attempted drone attack on an aviation radar facility in El Tambo, where authorities managed to intercept three explosives-laden drones before they could detonate.

Just one day earlier, two car bombs exploded near military sites in Cali and Palmira, causing significant damage but no reported injuries.

The surge in attacks has sparked urgent action from Colombia’s government. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez and other top officials were already meeting in Palmira to address the growing crisis when news of the deadly bus explosion broke.

“These criminals seek to instill fear, but we will respond with firmness,” Sánchez said.

Officials say the violence is fueled by a fierce battle between illegal armed groups fighting for control of key drug trafficking routes, particularly those leading to the major port of Buenaventura—a critical gateway for shipments heading to Central America and Europe.

As the manhunt intensifies, authorities have offered a reward of over $1 million for information leading to the capture of a suspected leader known as “Marlon.” Additional rewards are also being offered for tips connected to the recent bombings in Cali and Palmira.

Meanwhile, local leaders are pleading for immediate reinforcements as fear spreads across the region.