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Colombia offers record reward for rebel commander
Colombia's Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a 5 billion peso ($1.4 million) bounty on Monday for information leading to the arrest of Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, a rebel leader known by the alias "Marlon." The reward marks the highest ever offered by the Colombian government.
Deadly attack on Pan-American Highway
"Marlon" is accused of ordering Saturday's bomb attack on the Pan-American Highway, which killed 20 people. The explosion targeted civilians and is among the deadliest such incidents in recent years. The attack occurred just over a month before Colombia's presidential elections on May 31.
Governor Octavio Guzmán of Cauca province described the bombing as the "most brutal and ruthless attack against civilians in decades." The blast destroyed several buses and vehicles, leaving a massive crater on the highway linking Cali and Popayán.
Rebel group's broader campaign
Sánchez alleged that "Marlon" was responsible for multiple attacks over the weekend in southwestern Colombia, including in Cauca and Valle del Cauca provinces. No evidence supporting these claims has been made public.
"Marlon" is a member of a dissident faction led by Iván Mordisco, Colombia's most wanted rebel commander. Mordisco, a former member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), broke away during the 2016 peace negotiations with the government. His group is involved in illegal mining, extortion, and drug trafficking.
Government and political response
President Gustavo Petro condemned the attackers as "terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers" and deployed additional troops to the region. Petro, whose term ends in August, is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election and has endorsed left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda.
Cepeda, who advocates for renewed negotiations with rebel groups, leads in opinion polls ahead of the May 31 election. Right-wing opposition candidates have called for a harder line against insurgents. A runoff is scheduled for June 21 if no candidate secures a majority.
Election context
The violence adds urgency to the presidential race, with security and peace talks emerging as key issues. Analysts say the attack could influence voter sentiment ahead of the vote.
