Authorities in Colombia defused a bus bomb on Wednesday along a highway in the Cauca department, near Cali, where far-right politician Abelardo de la Espriella will be inaugurated as the country's new president in two days. The Colombian police announced they successfully executed Operation Prometheus on the Panamericana Highway, the main route in southwest Colombia, where they intercepted and safely disabled a bus modified with 420 kilograms of ammonium nitrate stored in seven cylinders. According to officials, the vehicle was prepared by the Central Command (EMC), the largest faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and was intended to target military and police installations in Cali. The operation resulted in the seizure of the bus, the seven cylinders, and the platforms from which the explosives were to be deployed. The device was reportedly ordered by alias Iván Mordisco, one of Colombia’s most wanted criminals and leader of the EMC, through the Western Bloc Jacobo Arenas. The attack aimed to sabotage security operations during de la Espriella’s inauguration. Police emphasized that this action was designed to create instability and challenge the military presence in the region ahead of the presidential swearing-in ceremony. De la Espriella has stated that he plans to reclaim sovereignty over public safety, which he claims former President Gustavo Petro has relinquished to drug traffickers in large parts of the country. He chose Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, as the location for his inauguration because the southwest region has long been plagued by guerrilla violence and drug trafficking. By holding the ceremony there early in his presidency, de la Espriella aims to show support for the military and police forces from the outset of his administration. The inauguration ceremony will include attendance from several international figures, including Spain’s King Felipe VI and presidents from Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Honduras. El Salvador and Guatemala will be represented by their vice presidents, while Curacao’s prime minister and representatives from Brazil, Israel, and the United States will also attend. Security for the event will be handled by more than 11,000 members of the military and police, ensuring the safety of all attendees. The timing of the defused bomb and the upcoming inauguration has raised concerns among analysts and political observers. Some have suggested that the attack could be an attempt to destabilize the transition of power, particularly given the shift toward right-wing governance in Colombia. De la Espriella’s government has already signaled its intention to adopt a strict approach to crime and social protests, contrasting sharply with the policies of his predecessor. In recent weeks, the Colombian Congress approved the relocation of legislative sessions to Cali to participate in de la Espriella’s inauguration. This decision underscores the significance of the event and highlights the political weight being placed on the region. The choice of venue reflects both strategic and symbolic considerations, emphasizing the need for stability and security in an area historically affected by conflict. The defusing of the bus bomb occurred just days before the planned inauguration, adding urgency to the security measures surrounding the event. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting national leaders and maintaining order during critical moments of political change. The successful neutralization of the explosive device demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region. As de la Espriella prepares to take office, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the inauguration and addressing the broader challenges facing Colombia. His administration’s emphasis on restoring public safety and combating organized crime will likely shape the nation’s policy direction in the coming years. Meanwhile, the incident involving the defused bomb serves as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by armed groups operating within the country.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
MX
