The attack occurred on the Pan-American Highway in the El Tunel sector of Cajibio, Cauca, according to Governor Octavio Guzmán. Witnesses said the explosion was so powerful they were thrown several meters backward. The death toll remains disputed: while multiple international outlets report seven killed, local authorities have cited 14 dead and 38 injured. Governor Guzmán initially said more than 17 people were injured, but later official updates put the number at 20. The discrepancy in casualty figures reflects different reporting times or conflicting official counts, and the exact toll has not been confirmed.
The bus bombing is the latest in a spate of explosives attacks and thwarted attempts on public infrastructure across southwest Colombia, according to multiple reports. Over the past two days, at least 26 criminal incidents have occurred, affecting only civilians, said General Hugo López. The attacks included car bombings, firearm attacks, and launching of explosive devices, with more than 20 terrorist attacks reported by Colombia's national police. At least two police officers were among those killed, police said. Previous assaults included a shooting at a police station in Jamundi and an attack on a Civil Aviation radar facility in El Tambo, according to multiple reports. Two vehicles rigged with explosives were detonated near military units in Cali and Palmira on Friday, causing material damage, and a bomb attack on a Cali military base on Friday left two people injured, according to multiple reports. In Cali, three explosive devices were detonated near police stations, said Mayor Alejandro Eder. The defense ministry said military forces prevented six attacks and captured two people preparing explosives.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators 'terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers'.
The escalation prompted mobilization of high-ranking officials led by Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, according to multiple reports. Governor Francisca Toro called for immediate support from the national government. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators 'terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers.' President Petro also blamed a drug trafficker and FARC dissident leader known by the alias Ivan Mordisco. Security is a key topic in the upcoming May 31 presidential election, according to multiple reports.
General Hugo López blamed the attack on dissident groups of the FARC, specifically the networks of 'Iván Mordisco' and the Jaime Martínez faction. The army has intelligence linking the attacks to the leader of the guerrilla group Estado Mayor Central, according to the Colombian army. However, Estado Mayor Central has not claimed responsibility for the attack, according to research from three sources. In a Tuesday statement, Estado Mayor Central accused Colombia's government of reneging on the peace process. The attack was blamed on dissidents of the FARC who rejected the 2016 peace deal, officials said.
In a Tuesday statement, Estado Mayor Central accused Colombia's government of reneging on the peace process.
The violence comes amid a surge in killings of social activists and former FARC guerrillas. August 2025 saw the 100th killing of a social activist and 30th of a former FARC guerrilla in the peace process, according to research from three sources. The number of massacres (attacks killing at least three people) increased significantly in 2025, according to research from three sources. On 1 August 2025, three people were killed in Colombia's 41st documented massacre of 2025 in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander. On 6 August 2025, social activist Ruhal Martínez was killed in Jamundí, Valle del Cauca. On 6 August 2025, the bodies of three people were found in Consacá, Nariño. On 7 August 2025, social activist Brayan Saa was murdered in Dagua, Valle del Cauca. On 7 August 2025, four men and one woman were found dead in Santa Bárbara, Antioquia, apparent victims of a local criminal organization. On 10 August 2025, armed assailants killed Blanca Nelly Osorio and her grandson Yefrin Andrés Herrera in Pereira, Risaralda.
Cauca and Valle del Cauca are a critical hub for illicit activities of illegal armed groups vying for control of routes to the port of Buenaventura, according to authorities. The strategic importance of the region has made it a focal point for violence as groups compete for drug trafficking and smuggling routes. The Colombian government faces mounting pressure to restore security, but the exact death toll from the bus attack and the broader wave of attacks remains unclear, as does the question of whether Estado Mayor Central actually carried out the bus bombing or if the accusation is false. How the government will respond to the escalation of violence is also uncertain.