Colombia's Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a record reward for information leading to the capture of a rebel leader known as "Marlon", suspected of orchestrating a devastating bomb attack on the Pan-American Highway that killed 20 people.

The attack, one of the deadliest targeting civilians in recent years, occurred just over a month before the presidential elections scheduled for 31 May. "Marlon", whose real name is Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, is also accused of ordering a series of other attacks in the southwestern provinces of Cauca and Valle del Cauca over the weekend, though no evidence has been released.

Sánchez stated that the 5 billion peso ($1.4 million) reward is the highest ever offered by Colombia for a rebel. The deadliest incident involved an explosive device detonated on the highway connecting Cali and Popayán, killing 15 women and five men. The blast destroyed several buses and other vehicles, leaving a massive crater.

"Marlon" belongs to an armed group led by a dissident rebel known as Iván Mordisco, Colombia's most wanted man. Mordisco was once part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) but broke away during the 2016 peace deal negotiations. His group is involved in illegal mining, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán described the attack as "the most brutal and ruthless attack against the civilian population in decades." President Gustavo Petro condemned those behind it as "terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers" and ordered additional troops to the region.

Petro's term ends in August, and he is barred from seeking re-election. He has endorsed left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, who advocates for more negotiations with rebels. Opinion polls show Cepeda leading right-wing opposition candidates who favor a tougher approach. The new president is to be elected on 31 May, with a possible runoff on 21 June.

Source: www.bbc.com