Mandivá toll plaza destroyed in explosive attack on Pan-American Highway
On the morning of August 8, 2026, an explosive attack targeted the Mandivá toll plaza currently under construction in the Cachimbal sector of Cauca, Colombia. The attack occurred on the Pan-American Highway, a strategic corridor connecting Popayán and Cali.
According to reports, the perpetrators used a white van loaded with explosives, which was abandoned at the scene after the detonation. The explosion caused significant damage to the toll infrastructure and led to traffic restrictions on the highway, with authorities initially closing the road before allowing controlled movement through a single lane.
Two security personnel guarding the construction site sustained minor injuries. While no official responsibility has been formally claimed, the Colombian Army suggested the attack may be linked to FARC dissident factions, specifically the Dagoberto Ramos and Jaime Martinez structures.
The incident occurred just one day after the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. The Colombian government, through Transport Minister Elsa Noguera, condemned the attack as a terrorist act and pledged to protect national infrastructure projects.
Entities: Abelardo De La Espriella · Cali · Cauca · Elsa Noguera · FARC dissidents · Mandivá Toll Plaza · Pan-American Highway · Popayán
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Colombian Army reports that the attack was carried out by FARC dissident factions Dagoberto Ramos and Jaime Martinez. (Colombian Army)
- [DISPUTED] The explosion occurred near 2:00 AM in the Cachimbal sector of the Pan-American highway. (Authorities)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Pan-American highway connects the cities of Cali and Popayán. (Authorities)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Traffic on the Pan-American highway was restricted to a single lane following the explosion. (Authorities)
- [DISPUTED] The target was the Mandivá toll plaza, which was under construction in the Mondomo sector. (Authorities)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The attackers used a white van equipped with explosives, which was later abandoned at the scene. (Reports)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The attack occurred one day after the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. (Government)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The attack resulted in two security personnel sustaining minor injuries. (Reports)