Political Violence Surges in Southern Colombia After Three New Attacks

Written on 05/20/2026
Josep Freixes
Political violence continues in southern Colombia, with three attacks in Cauca, ten days before the presidential election. Credit: Colombian Senate.

Political violence once again shook southern Colombia in the final stretch of the election campaign. In less than 24 hours, three attacks were reported in the department of Cauca targeting political leaders and members of the security forces, in an escalation that heightened tensions just ten days before the elections.

The incidents took place in different parts of the region, but all reflected the deteriorating security situation in one of the country’s most conflict-ridden territories and affected different sectors in a new attempt by organized crime to maintain pressure in the electoral context.

The attack against the security detail of pro-government Senator Alexander Lopez, a drone bombing against soldiers in Suarez, and an illegal checkpoint on the Pan-American Highway where the mayor of Santander de Quilichao was intercepted all demonstrated the operational capacity that illegal armed groups continue to maintain in Cauca.

Authorities believe the attacks were carried out by dissident factions of the former FARC guerrilla group seeking to intimidate the population and influence the political climate during the election campaign.

Related: Christian Churches Backing Grows in Colombia’s Election Endgame.

Political violence surges in southern Colombia after three new attacks

The first incident occurred in a rural area of Cauca, when armed men attacked the security detail of Senator Alexander Lopez, a member of the leftist Historic Pact party, one of the politicians closest to the Petro government and a key figure within the ruling coalition. According to reports that emerged after the attack, it occurred minutes after the senator had left the area, preventing a greater tragedy.

Senator Kevin Gomez, who was accompanying part of the delegation, later said that they “survived by two minutes,” describing how quickly the ambush unfolded. The attack targeted the vehicles assigned to the protection unit and prompted a major security deployment in the area.

Although authorities are still investigating those responsible, the initial hypotheses point to illegal armed groups operating in northern Cauca that for years have maintained control over strategic corridors for drug trafficking and movement between municipalities. The attack raised alarms over the vulnerability of political leaders during the campaign and the level of risk faced by those traveling through the region.

The government condemned the attacks and said it would strengthen protection measures for political leaders and candidates. However, the incident once again highlighted the State’s difficulties in guaranteeing security in several regions of the country where dissident groups have strengthened their presence.

Explosive drones used against military personnel

Hours later, another violent incident struck Cauca. In the municipality of Suarez, an attack involving drones loaded with explosives left one second lieutenant dead and six soldiers wounded during Army operations in the area.

According to the official report, the troops were caught off guard by explosives dropped from drones, a type of attack that illegal armed groups have begun using more frequently in different regions of the country. The fatal victim was identified as a young officer taking part in territorial control operations.

The wounded soldiers were taken to nearby medical centers while the Army launched operations to locate those responsible. Authorities preliminarily attributed the attack to dissident FARC structures operating in that mountainous region of Cauca.

The use of explosive drones is a growing concern for security forces because it demonstrates an evolution in the capabilities of illegal armed groups. Although this tactic had already been detected in areas such as Catatumbo and southwestern Colombia, the attack in Suárez confirmed that these organizations have managed to adapt unconventional warfare methods to strike public security forces.

In Cauca, the public security situation has steadily deteriorated in recent years. Clashes among dissident groups, drug trafficking organizations, and illegal groups fighting for control of drug trafficking routes and illicit economies have turned the department into one of the country’s main hotspots of violence.

The illegal checkpoint on the Pan-American Highway

The third incident took place on the Pan-American Highway, one of the main roads in southwestern Colombia, which recently was already the scene of a brutal attack that left 21 victims. There, armed men set up an illegal checkpoint and stopped the vehicle carrying the mayor of Santander de Quilichao, who was traveling from Popayan to Cali.

According to available information, the criminals intercepted the official vehicle and an exchange of gunfire broke out during the assault. The local leader escaped unharmed, but the attackers ended up stealing the vehicle before fleeing the area.

The incident once again revealed the degree of control that illegal armed groups maintain over several road corridors in Cauca. Drivers, transport operators, and residents of the region have for months reported the installation of clandestine checkpoints, extortion, and threats along different stretches of the Pan-American Highway.

The situation is causing particular concern because it is a key route connecting the south and the center of the country. Despite military operations, illegal groups continue to move easily through rural areas where the state’s presence remains limited.

Violence to influence the Colombia’s elections

The three attacks come at an especially sensitive moment for Colombia. With just ten days left before the elections, the surge in violence in Cauca is fueling fears that illegal armed groups are seeking to influence the political process through intimidation, targeted attacks, and shows of force.

Analysts and authorities agree that the objective of these groups is not only to maintain territorial control, but also to send messages of power in the middle of the electoral race. Armed pressure on political leaders, candidates, and local authorities is part of a long-standing strategy by illegal groups to shape regional political dynamics.

For years, Cauca has concentrated multiple drivers of conflict: the presence of illicit crops, strategic drug trafficking corridors, illegal mining, and disputes among armed groups. That combination has turned the department into one of the most complex territories for the security of the Colombian state.

For its part, the government of President Gustavo Petro said it had ordered a restructuring of security in the area. “In Cauca, three Rapid Deployment Forces, armored vehicles, and drones have been deployed to counter the recent attacks against the Public Force, state officials, and the civilian population,” the Defense Ministry explained.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez added that this Wednesday, May 20, “the military and police high command will once again be in the region to take strong measures and actions to improve security.”