Colombian Military Neutralizes Members of Militant Group Following Bus Bombing

The Colombian military announced the neutralization of five individuals linked to the militant group responsible for a deadly bus bombing. This attack resulted in the deaths of 20 civilians and injuries to 45 others.

Officials identified the suspects as part of ‘Estructura Jaime Martínez,’ an organized armed faction. This group had planted explosives in Cajibío and conducted criminal activities like vehicle theft on the Pan-American Highway and deploying drones armed with explosives. A video from the Military Forces of Colombia displayed various weapons seized from the group.

The troubled region witnessed a terror act on April 26, when an explosive detonated on a bus along the Pan-American Highway in Cauca. This incident claimed the lives of 15 women and five men, according to the Associated Press.

A video accompanying the military’s statement showed body bags near a military helicopter and numerous confiscated weapons. General Hugo López, commanding officer of Colombia’s armed forces, denounced the bus bombing as a ‘terrorist act.’ He blamed the dissident factions of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), especially ‘Estructura Jaime Martínez’ and the ‘Iván Mordisco’ network.

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights has called for justice for the victims. The suspects stand accused of causing the deaths and injuries in the April attack.

Southwestern Colombia has become an area of intense conflict. Illegal armed groups are vying for control over coca cultivation zones and crucial drug trafficking routes to Central America and Europe.

Alexandra Koch, a journalist with Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. She specializes in covering significant breaking news events that impact the national conversation, including major crises like the L.A. wildfires and the Texas Hill Country floods.