Colombia arrests alleged mastermind of deadly bombing

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Bogotá: Colombian police arrested Jose Vitonco, the alleged mastermind behind a devastating bomb attack that killed 21 people and injured 56 others. 

The bombing occurred just three days prior when an explosive device detonated on a bus traveling the Pan-American Highway in the southwestern Cauca department.

President Gustavo Petro labeled the event a ‘terrorist’ act, marking it as the country’s deadliest civilian attack in decades.

Vitonco is identified as a leader within a rebel faction linked to Ivan Mordisco, a former FARC commander and Colombia’s most-wanted criminal. Authorities captured the suspect in the city of Palmira during a joint operation with the army, seizing a handgun and several cell phones. 

The group involved is reportedly funded through cocaine smuggling, a primary revenue source for guerrillas operating in the coca-rich Cauca region.

The attack has reignited fears of escalating violence as Colombia approaches its presidential election on May 31. It represents the highest loss of life in a single incident since the 2003 Bogota nightclub bombing, highlighting the fragile security situation ten years after the original FARC disarmament. 

Governor Octavio Guzmán declared three days of mourning for the victims, who included at least five injured minors.

Photo Credits: AFP