Colombia Offers Record $1.4 Million for Rebel Leader "Marlon" After Deadly Highway Bombing

Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez has issued a record 5 billion peso (USD#1.4 million; GBP#1 million) reward for the capture of rebel leader Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, known as "Marlon". Sánchez alleges "Marlon" ordered the deadly 25 May bomb attack on the Pan-American Highway, which resulted in 20 civilian deaths.

The explosion, which occurred on the motorway connecting Cali and Popayán, is one of the deadliest targeting civilians in decades, according to Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán. The blast destroyed several vehicles and created a significant crater. "Marlon" is associated with a dissident faction led by Iván Mordisco, Colombia's most wanted man. Mordisco's group, which broke from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) after the 2016 peace deal, is implicated in illegal mining, extortion, and drug trafficking.

President Gustavo Petro, whose term concludes in August, condemned the perpetrators as "terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers" and ordered increased military presence in the region. The incident takes place just weeks before the 31 May presidential elections. Petro has endorsed left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, who advocates for continued negotiations with rebel groups. Cepeda currently leads against right-wing opposition candidates who favour a more confrontational approach.