# Explosive incidents in Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/explosive-incidents-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-08-08T10:50:49.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

Explosive incidents have been reported in the Colombian departments of Valle del Cauca and Cauca.

In late July, an explosion in the rural La Gloria area of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, resulted in one death and one injury. Authorities attributed the blast to the mishandling of an IM-M26 type grenade.

On August 8, 2026, an explosive attack targeted the Mandivá toll plaza under construction in the Cachimbal sector of Cauca, on the Pan-American Highway connecting Popayán and Cali. Perpetrators used a white van loaded with explosives, which was abandoned at the scene; the attackers reportedly fled on a motorcycle. The blast caused significant structural damage to the toll infrastructure and necessitated traffic restrictions on the highway.

Two security personnel guarding the site sustained minor injuries. While no group has formally claimed responsibility, the Colombian Army suggested the attack may be linked to FARC dissident factions, specifically the Dagoberto Ramos and Jaime Martinez structures. The incident occurred one day after the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. President De la Espriella and Transport Minister Elsa Noguera condemned the attack, with the President vowing that there would be no refuge or impunity for those responsible.

## Claims

- The target was the Mandivá toll plaza, which was under construction in the Mondomo sector. (disputed by 10 sources)
- The explosion occurred near 2:00 AM in the Cachimbal sector of the Pan-American highway. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The attack occurred one day after the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The Pan-American highway connects the cities of Cali and Popayán. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The Colombian Army alleges the attack was carried out by FARC dissident factions Dagoberto Ramos and Jaime Martinez. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The attack resulted in two security personnel sustaining minor injuries. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The attackers used a white van equipped with explosives, which was later abandoned at the scene. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Traffic on the Pan-American highway was restricted to a single lane following the explosion. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Colombia toll plaza destroyed by car bomb near Cali

A car bomb targeting a toll plaza under construction on Colombia's Pan-American Highway injured two security guards and occurred one day after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explosive-attack-destroys-toll-plaza-under-construction-in-cauca-colombia

### 2026-07-24: Explosion in Buenaventura's La Gloria kills one and wounds another

A grenade mishandling in La Gloria, Buenaventura (Valle del Cauca) killed one person and injured another; CTI is investigating and authorities pledge tighter rural security.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abandoned-vehicle-on-caucas-panamerican-highway-prompts-safety-alert

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Cite as: Explosive incidents in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/explosive-incidents-in-colombia