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At least 14 people have been killed and more than 38 injured after an explosive device detonated on a passenger bus in western Colombia. The blast struck the vehicle as it travelled along the Pan-American Highway near Cajibío in the Cauca region, authorities said. Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán confirmed the attack, while images from the scene showed the bus torn apart as bystanders rushed to search for survivors. He wrote on social media: "We are coordinating response actions for our population and initiating a national-level security council to address this serious situation in a coordinated manner. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say "To date, we report 14 people dead and more than 38 people injured, including 5 minors, and we continue to manage the situation from our Secretariat. "We express our solidarity with their families; this is a tragedy that deeply mourns and fills our people with pain. "Likewise, we are witnessing a very serious impact on the department's road infrastructure, especially along the Pan-American Highway." Colombia’s armed forces chief, General Hugo López, described the explosion as a “terrorist act”. President Gustavo Petro condemned those responsible, writing on social media: “Those who carried out the attack… are terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers.” Military officials blamed dissident factions linked to Iván Mordisco and the Jaime Martínez group - breakaway elements of the former FARC guerrilla movement. The factions rejected the 2016 peace deal and continue to operate in Colombia’s southern and western areas. Cauca and neighbouring Valle del Cauca have become key battlegrounds for criminal groups vying for control of drug trafficking routes to the port of Buenaventura. TERRORISM - READ THE LATEST: Isis encourages Muslims to use Bondi Beach massacre as 'instruction manual' for copycat attacks Islamist terrorist allowed to stay in Britain - despite having asylum claim turned down Woman involved in UK's first all-female terror plot set to be deported The bombing comes amid a sharp escalation in violence, with General López revealing 26 attacks were recorded across the region in just 48 hours. Earlier on Saturday, security forces intercepted three explosive-laden drones targeting a civil aviation radar site in El Tambo. A police station in Jamundí also came under gunfire, though no injuries were reported. The previous day saw two car bombs detonate near military facilities in Cali and Palmira, damaging buildings but causing no casualties. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government would respond “with firmness”, while Valle del Cauca Governor Francisca Toro called for urgent reinforcements. Authorities have offered more than $1million for information leading to the capture of a suspect known as Marlon. He is believed to be a regional commander within the dissident network. Local officials have also put up additional rewards for intelligence linked to the recent wave of attacks. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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