A bomb attack on a highway in southwestern Colombia has left 19 people dead, with the authorities blaming a drug lord who was once part of the FARC guerilla group for the attack.

At least 38 people — including five children — were injured in the attack on Saturday, which comes a month before the country's presidential election.

What do we know?

The explosion took place on the Pan-American Highway in the municipality of Cajibio in the Cauca province.

According to local media reports, an explosive cylinder fell onto a minibus and detonated.

Governor Octavio Guzman described the incident as a "tragedy" and warned of a "terrorist escalation."

Visuals shared by Guzman on X showed extensive damage to a number of vehicles.

Some cars had been overturned because of the force of the blast.

Another image showed a large crater etched into the highway, following the attack.

Who is behind the attack

President Gustavo Petro blamed the attack on Ivan Mordisco — one of Colombia's most wanted criminals — whom the…