Rio de Janeiro, 26 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - At least 14 civilians were killed in a bomb attack in south-western Colombia, authorities said on Saturday, around a month before the country's presidential election.

The blast occurred in the town of Cajibío in Cauca province, Governor Octavio Guzmán said on X, describing the incident as a "tragedy" and warning of a "terrorist escalation." More than 38 people were injured, including five minors, he said.

Local media reported that an explosive cylinder fell onto a minibus and detonated. Images shared by the governor on X showed extensive damage to several vehicles. More than 20 people were seriously injured, Guzmán wrote.

Witnesses cited by newspaper El Tiempo said armed men had earlier stopped and blocked vehicles on the road. Investigators initially provided no official information on possible suspects.

President Gustavo Petro described the attack as terrorism and blamed breakaway factions of the former FARC guerrilla group that rejected the 2016 peace deal, calling those responsible "terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers."

The attack comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of Colombia's presidential election on May 31. On Friday, a series of coordinated attacks were reported in the west of the country.

According to media reports, a vehicle exploded near a military base in the city of Cali, while further blasts were reported near a military installation in nearby Palmira. No fatalities were reported in those incidents.

Authorities also blamed FARC splinter groups for the attacks, which remain among the main drivers of violence in the region. Security is a key issue in the election campaign.

Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez announced an intensified security forces offensive following the recent attacks.

MIA file photo