U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) expressed her condolences to the Colombian nation in response to the “terrorist act” in southwestern Colombia that took place over the weekend. The attack left 13 dead and several injured.
“My full solidarity with the people of Colombia in the face of this brutal terrorist attack. No nation should live held hostage by fear, bombs, and criminal blackmail,” Rep. Salazar shared on X. “The Colombian people deserve peace, order, and security. Terrorists will not decide their future.”
Congresswoman Salazar is a strong advocate for Human Rights and democracy worldwide. She openly supports the U.S.'s global and regional partners, including Colombia.
"Terrorist Act" in Colombia
On Apr. 25, 2026, an explosive device was set off on a bus traveling along the Pan-American Highway in Cajibío. Cajibío is a municipality in the Cauca region of Colombia.
Gen. Hugo López, commander of Colombia's Armed Forces, labeled the incident as a “terrorist act,” accusing the network of one of Colombia’s most wanted figures, “Iván Mordisco.” He also identified the faction of Jaime Martínez as the aggressors.
According to the Associated Press (AP), both networks are opponents of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. This group still operates in the region.
“Those who carried out the attack and killed seven civilians — and wounded 17 others — in Cajibío — many of them Indigenous people — are terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote, condemning the attack.
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, issued a statement on X following the attack, affirming its commitment to “supporting Colombia’s security.”
“Our solidarity is with the victims and the families affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Valle del Cauca and Cauca. The violent actions of Foreign Terrorist Organizations designated by the U.S. and other illegal armed groups must not be tolerated,” the embassy wrote.
Cauca and Valle del Cauca serve as a pivotal center for illegal activities of illegal armed groups competing for control over sea and river access routes. These routes lead to the port of Buenaventura — a significant transit point used to traffic narcotics to Central America and Europe, the AP reports.
