International • • • 🌿 Progressive

Peaje vial en un corredor andino al amanecer, con un dron en el cielo y presencia militar discreta a lo lejos
Imagen alusiva al peaje Mondomo, en el corredor entre Popayán y Santander de Quilichao. · EPM

Explosive attack damages Mondomo toll in Santander de Quilichao

In EPM's view, the attack on the Mondomo toll shows that the safety of a road corridor is not measured only by keeping traffic moving, but by protecting nearby…

--- The context --- The road between Popayán and Santander de Quilichao links Cauca with Valle del Cauca, used every day by communities, workers and travellers who depend on the Pan-American Highway. On that stretch stands the La Angustia toll, known as the Mondomo toll, in the Cachimbal district of Santander de Quilichao at reference point 60+900. --- The facts --- During the early hours of this Saturday, November 7, 2026, an explosive attack was carried out against that toll station, causing damage that the concessionaire's technical teams are reviewing to determine its extent. On a preliminary basis, the authorities said the attack was reportedly carried out using unmanned aircraft fitted with explosives near the toll, and was reportedly attributed to Farc dissidents. Nuevo Cauca confirmed that no one was injured. The military authorities said there were no reported victims or prolonged disruption, that vehicle traffic remains open and that the situation is under control. --- The positions --- In its statement No. 16, Nuevo Cauca rejected the attack and argued, in reported speech, that this type of action has no justification because of the risk for nearby communities, its workers and road users. The company thanked the National Army for its presence, asked for permanent accompaniment by the security forces at toll stations and requested stronger security for the corridor. According to the military authorities, troops from Brigade 29 were deployed through Light Cavalry Group No. 8, carrying out security and control work to protect travellers and keep traffic moving. --- What remains unknown --- The full extent of the damage is not yet known, nor any definitive attribution, which for now remains preliminary according to the authorities. --- Unanswered questions --- What is the exact extent of the damage to the toll infrastructure? Will the accompaniment of the security forces at this station be maintained permanently? What additional measures will be adopted to protect nearby communities and corridor workers? --- EPM analysis --- The central fact is twofold: there was an explosive attack and, at the same time, no injuries were reported and mobility was maintained. That should not lead anyone to minimise what happened, because the risk to those who live and work near the toll was real, as the concessionaire set out. The concessionaire also argued that these are not isolated events but a systematic problem, placing the debate on continuity of protection, not only on the immediate reaction. 📌 EPM Take: In EPM's view, the attack on the Mondomo toll shows that the safety of a road corridor is not measured only by keeping traffic moving, but by protecting nearby communities, workers and those who travel this route every day. The fact that no injuries were reported does not reduce the seriousness of events that, according to the concessionaire, form part of a systematic problem. The permanent accompaniment being requested must translate into sustained presence, effective prevention and real guarantees for the population living and working around this sector.
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