A car bomb exploded in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, just one day after conservative political newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as the country’s new president, according to the army. The attack occurred in the region near Cali, where the presidential inauguration took place outside Bogotá for the first time.
The explosion targeted a toll booth under construction on the Panamericana highway, between Popayán and Cali. Preliminary reports from the military suggest the attack was carried out by factions linked to former FARC rebels, specifically Dagoberto Ramos and Jaime Martínez. Two people were injured in the blast, though the extent of the damage and casualties remains under investigation.
The timing of the attack has raised concerns about security in the region, especially as de la Espriella begins his presidency with a focus on tough measures against narcotrafficking and closer ties with the United States. His inauguration, held in Cali, marked a shift in political strategy, as it moved away from the traditional capital.
The government has not yet commented on the attack, but the military is investigating the incident. The explosion highlights the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in maintaining stability amid political and security transitions.
