Colombia’s Military Neutralizes Militants Linked to Deadly Bus Bombing

Colombia’s military reported on Wednesday that it had neutralized five militants connected to a horrific bus bombing that claimed the lives of 20 civilians and injured 45 others.

According to the military’s statement, these individuals were part of the Estructura Jaime Martínez group. Allegedly, they were not only involved in the bus attack in Kajibio but also engaged in activities such as vehicle theft and deploying explosive-laden drones along the Pan-American Highway.

A shared video showcased body bags lined up in front of a military helicopter alongside seized weapons.

This military action came after an April 26 terrorist attack when an explosive was detonated on a passenger bus in the troubled Cauca region. The blast tragically took the lives of 15 women and five men, as reported by the Associated Press.

Initial local reports indicated that 36 people were injured, including several children, yet an update from the Colombian military later revised that number to 45 civilians.

Colombian military commander Gen. Hugo López denounced the bus bombing as an “act of terrorism,” attributing it to dissidents from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), particularly naming the Jaime Martínez faction and Iván Mordisco, who is among the country’s most wanted fugitives.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had previously urged authorities to ensure justice for the victims.

The southwestern region of Colombia has increasingly become a hotspot for illegal armed groups competing for control over coca-growing territories and vital drug-trafficking routes to Central America and Europe.