At least 14 people were killed and 38 injured in a highway bomb attack in southwest Colombia on October 27, 2024, authorities said.
The explosion occurred on a major road in the Cauca department, targeting a civilian vehicle convoy, according to Colombia’s National Police. Officials attributed the attack to dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group, which rejected the 2016 peace accord and continue to operate in remote regions of the country.
Colombian Defense Minister Iván Velásquez Gómez confirmed the casualty toll in a televised address, stating that the victims included both civilians and members of the security forces. He emphasized that the attack was part of a broader pattern of violence linked to illicit economies and territorial disputes in the southwest.
The incident took place amid a surge in armed clashes, extortion, and forced displacements across several departments, including Cauca, Nariño, and Valle del Cauca, in the weeks leading up to the presidential election scheduled for May 25, 2025. Electoral authorities have reported over 200 security-related incidents affecting campaign activities since January.
President Gustavo Petro Urrego, who has pursued a policy of “total peace” through negotiated settlements with armed groups, condemned the bombing and called for renewed efforts to isolate criminal structures. His administration has faced criticism from opposition leaders and human rights organizations over the perceived rise in violence despite ongoing dialogues with some FARC dissident factions.
The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia issued a statement urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and avoid targeting civilians. It reiterated its offer to facilitate dialogue between the government and non-signatory armed groups, a proposal that has so far received limited response from dissident commanders.
As of October 28, no arrests have been made in connection with the bombing. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and collecting forensic evidence from the site. The Attorney General’s Office has opened a preliminary inquiry into possible war crimes, citing the deliberate targeting of non-combatants.
Security forces have increased patrols along key transit routes in Cauca, but local leaders warn that limited state presence and the fragmentation of armed groups build sustained protection tough. Community organizations have called for humanitarian corridors and greater investment in rural development to reduce recruitment by illegal armed groups.
The National Electoral Council has not altered the election timeline but affirmed that voting will proceed under heightened security protocols. No major presidential candidate has suspended campaign events in the affected region, though several have adjusted travel plans to avoid high-risk zones.
