An explosion in southwestern Colombia has killed at least 13 people and injured 38 others.

Axar.az reports, citing Colombian media, the attack took place on the Pan-American Highway near Cajibio in the Cauca department, where an explosive device was detonated under a culvert as vehicles passed.

The incident occurred as part of a multi-stage attack attributed to FARC dissident groups, which reportedly involved blocking vehicles on the road before detonating the explosive at a key point on the highway.

A large number of security forces have been deployed to the area.

Witnesses said the explosion occurred during a period of heavy traffic. A traditional rural bus known locally as a “chiva,” carrying civilians returning from market, was destroyed in the blast.

The explosion also damaged multiple nearby vehicles, scattering debris across the road and causing major disruption to traffic on the Pan-American Highway.