Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella addressed the nation on Monday, September 7, following a deadly explosion on the Pan-American Highway near the town of Mercaderes, in the Cauca department, close to the border with Nariño province in southwestern Colombia.
According to authorities, a landmine planted in the area detonated during the morning hours, killing one professional soldier and injuring two other members of the National Army. The stretch of highway where the blast occurred is a strategic route connecting Colombia to Ecuador, and the region has long struggled with violence tied to armed groups and drug trafficking.
In his public remarks, President De La Espriella confirmed that he had ordered swift action following the attack. He announced that police in Nariño had already captured a man suspected of involvement in planting the explosive device, though authorities have not yet released further details about the suspect’s identity or possible motive.
The incident has renewed concerns over security along this critical highway corridor, which has periodically been targeted in the past. Military and police forces are expected to continue operations in the area as the investigation unfolds.
For the full story and additional details, read the original report at eltiempo.com.
Source: Presidente habló de explosión de campo minado en vía Panamericana que dejó un soldado muerto y anunció captura (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: edgarzunigajr, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).