BOGOTA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A soldier has died after an explosive attack by dissidents of the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the southwestern department of Cauca, the Colombian military said on Thursday.

"We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends, whom we accompany in this difficult moment. We honor the memory of our soldier, who gave his life for the protection of Colombians," the Third Division of the National Army said on social media.

According to the Army, the death of the soldier occurred Wednesday when he and his comrades were carrying out a search and control operation on a group of people who were handling a motorcycle.

The motorcycle exploded "unexpectedly," leaving two other uniformed officers "stunned," who were stable under medical care.

The Ministry of Defense condemned the attack and vowed to respond forcefully to the escalation of violence, which has so far left more than 80 people injured in the department of Cauca. ■