An explosion in the Cauca region of southwest Colombia has killed at least seven people, according to the state governor, prompting local authorities to call for stronger action from the national government.
The blast struck along the Pan-American Highway, a major transit artery running through one of Colombia's most conflict-affected regions, Al Jazeera reported on Friday.
Officials in Cauca described the incident as requiring a "decisive" response from the central government, reflecting longstanding frustration with persistent armed violence in the region. The highway has historically been a flashpoint for clashes involving guerrilla groups, criminal organizations, and security forces.
A region under pressure
Cauca has long been among Colombia's most volatile departments, with multiple armed groups competing for territorial control. The area has seen repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure, including roads and energy installations, particularly since peace negotiations between the government and various factions have faced setbacks.
The Pan-American Highway is a critical economic and logistical corridor, and attacks along it have previously disrupted trade and civilian movement across the region.
Details on the precise cause of the explosion and responsibility for the attack had not been fully confirmed at the time of reporting. Colombian authorities were investigating the incident, according to Al Jazeera.
Government under pressure to respond
The Cauca governor's call for decisive action reflects broader tensions between regional authorities and President Gustavo Petro's administration over security policy. Petro, who took office in 2022, pursued a strategy he described as "total peace," seeking negotiated settlements with multiple armed groups simultaneously. Critics have argued the approach has allowed some organizations to regroup and continue attacks while talks stalled.
Colombia has seen a rise in violence in several rural regions in recent months, with civilian populations frequently caught between competing armed factions. Human rights organizations have documented repeated incidents targeting communities and infrastructure in Cauca specifically.
The full death toll and any additional casualties from Friday's explosion remained subject to confirmation by authorities as the investigation continued.
