Five people were killed and at least 36 others were injured on Thursday when a vehicle bomb exploded on a crowded street in Cali, Colombia. Local authorities confirmed the incident, describing it as one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years.

The explosion happened near the Marco Fidel Suarez Military Aviation School, located in the north of the city. Police said the bomb appeared to target the facility, which made the attack a direct challenge to Colombia’s already fragile peace efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.

Eyewitness Accounts

Residents reported hearing a massive blast. “There was a thunderous sound of something exploding near the air base,” said 65-year-old eyewitness Hector Fabio Bolanos. He added, “There were so many injured people. Many houses were damaged in front of the base.”

Authorities evacuated several nearby buildings, including a school, as emergency crews rushed to treat the wounded.

Another eyewitness, Alexis Atizabal, 40, said some civilians had been caught in the explosion. “There were fatalities among people passing by on the avenue,” he noted.

Government Response

Cali’s mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed the casualties and said the situation was under control. He announced restrictions on large trucks entering the city to prevent more attacks and offered a US$10,000 reward for information on those responsible.

Regional governor Dilian Francisca Toro condemned the violence, calling it a “terrorist attack.” She added, “Terrorism will not defeat us.”

Possible Perpetrators

Authorities have not yet identified who carried out the bombing. However, leftist guerrilla group Central General Staff (EMC), which split from the FARC after rejecting the 2016 peace deal, has stepped up violent activity in Cali. In June, EMC fighters admitted to a wave of bombings and shootings in the region that killed seven people.

Rising Violence Ahead of Elections

For more than a decade, Colombia had enjoyed relative stability after years of conflict with guerrillas, paramilitaries, and cartels. But violence has flared again ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.

On the same day as the Cali attack, eight people were killed in clashes between guerrillas and police near Medellín. The officers had been working to eradicate coca crops, which continue to fund armed groups through the cocaine trade.

Pressure on President Petro

The surge in attacks has increased pressure on President Gustavo Petro, who has promoted dialogue with armed groups rather than confrontation. Critics argue his approach has emboldened guerrillas and criminal groups.

The latest violence shows the challenges facing Colombia as it struggles to contain rebel factions and criminal networks while trying to preserve the peace deal signed nearly a decade ago.