Bomb blast on Colombia highway leaves at least 20 dead ahead of May elections
Summary
A bombing on a highway in southwestern Colombia killed at least 20 people and injured 36, occurring ahead of presidential elections next month. Authorities said the attack was carried out by a criminal group linked to a former rebel faction, prompting increased security in the region.Key Facts
- The bomb exploded on the Pan-American Highway in Cauca department, destroying buses and cars.
- 15 women and 5 men died; among the injured, three are in intensive care and five children were hurt but are safe.
- Attackers stopped traffic by blocking the road with a bus and another vehicle before detonating the bomb.
- President Gustavo Petro called the attackers terrorists and blamed Iván Mordisco, leader of a dissident rebel faction.
- The rebel faction is connected to the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), which split after a 2016 peace deal.
- A series of attacks, including one on a military base in Cali, followed the bombing, with 26 attacks recorded over two days.
- Security forces have increased their presence in the area to respond to the violence.
- The violence is intensifying as Colombia prepares for presidential elections on May 31, a time when armed groups have historically tried to influence outcomes.
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