Iván Mordisco's group carries out deadly bombings killing civilians in southern Colombia
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 26
Iván Mordisco's group carries out deadly bombings killing civilians in southern Colombia
13 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 26
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in 26 attacks, including a bus bombing, across rural Cauca and near Cali over the weekend.
Authorities blame the violence on Iván Mordisco's drug-trafficking group, which targets police, military, and civilians to assert control ahead of Colombia's May 31 presidential election.
The attacks have intensified criticism of President Petro's Total Peace policy, with leading presidential candidates promising tougher security measures as terrorist incidents rise nationwide compared to previous years.
Has President Petro's 'Total Peace' strategy inadvertently fueled Colombia's deadliest violence in years?
A decade after the historic peace deal, why are armed groups stronger than ever?
With an election looming, is Colombia on the brink of a new civil war?
Amid rising tensions, could U.S. military action in Colombia become a reality?
With millions displaced, is Colombia facing its worst humanitarian crisis in decades?
How did Colombian drug lords weaponize commercial drones to challenge the state's military?
Deadly April 25 Bombing in Cauca Highlights Surge in FARC Dissident Attacks Ahead of Colombia’s May 2026 Election
Overview
On April 25, 2026, a bomb attack by Iván Mordisco's FARC dissident group devastated the Pan-American Highway in Cajibío, killing 14 and injuring over 38. This attack was part of a larger wave of violence triggered by increased military pressure from Colombian and Venezuelan forces following the government's end of a ceasefire in July 2025. The government responded swiftly with heightened security, victim aid, and a manhunt for key dissident leaders. The violence has displaced thousands, intensified Indigenous communities' demands for security and justice, and made security the central issue in Colombia's upcoming presidential election, highlighting a sharp divide between negotiation and military crackdown strategies.