Colombia president asks US to suspend tariffs over quake

Bombing attacks struck Colombia on the first day of President Abelardo de la Espriella’s tenure, marking a violent start to the new government. The explosions occurred in two separate regions, killing at least one police officer and injuring several others. The attacks came just hours after de la Espriella was inaugurated in Cali, the southwestern city where he took office in a ceremony that defied traditional norms. His hard-line policies, centered around combating narcoterrorism and dismantling armed groups, immediately drew attention from both supporters and critics. The first attack targeted a tollbooth under construction on the Pan-American Highway in Santander de Quilichao municipality, near Cali. According to the Colombian army, rebels associated with FARC dissidents, led by Ivan Morodisco, colombia’s most-wanted guerrilla commander, used explosives to destroy the structure. Two security guards sustained minor injuries in the blast. Morodisco’s faction split from the 2016 peace deal between the FARC and the government, and they continue to exert influence in rural areas where infrastructure development is ongoing. Hours later, another bombing took place approximately 1,000 kilometers north in the Cesar department. An explosive-laden drone struck a police station, killing one officer and wounding others. Local authorities have not yet identified those responsible, but de la Espriella swiftly condemned the attacks. On social media, he declared that “attacking the country’s infrastructure is attacking progress.” He warned that “there will be no refuge, no leniency and no impunity” for those behind the bombings. De la Espriella’s inauguration followed a campaign rooted in confrontation and a rejection of previous peace efforts. During his swearing-in ceremony, he addressed soldiers at a military base in Cali, vowing to “relentlessly defeat narco-terrorism.” He announced intentions to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s regional anti-cartel initiative, the Shield of the Americas, and pledged to conduct aerial strikes on cocaine-producing jungles. His administration also plans to construct “mega-prisons” modeled after those proposed by El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and significantly reduce the size of the state. The new president’s approach contrasts sharply with the previous leftist administration led by Gustavo Petro, who sought to negotiate peace with armed groups. De la Espriella dismissed these efforts, stating that the “option of dialogue is completely exhausted.” His government aims to dismantle the networks that have thrived in the absence of effective governance, particularly in regions dominated by drug trafficking and insurgent activity. The attacks on the first day of his presidency underscore the challenges ahead. Colombia continues to grapple with instability, despite the 2016 peace accord. Dissident factions of the FARC, along with other armed groups, maintain control over vast territories, many of which are key players in the global cocaine trade. De la Espriella’s rhetoric has already drawn concern from analysts, who fear that his confrontational stance could escalate conflict rather than resolve it. Residents near the damaged tollbooth expressed anxiety about the rising tension. Roberto Sandoval, a local firefighter, described the atmosphere as “tense and nervous,” noting that the community is on edge. Sonia Zapata, a 68-year-old resident, echoed similar sentiments, expressing her fear and uncertainty about the future. De la Espriella’s background further fuels speculation about his leadership style. Before entering politics, he pursued a legal career representing figures linked to organized crime, including paramilitary groups and high-profile athletes. His campaign was marked by provocative imagery and bold statements, including a self-proclaimed moniker of “The Tiger.” He has emphasized a vision of “cultural counterrevolution” based on Judeo-Christian values, signaling a shift toward more conservative policies. As the new administration moves forward, the question remains whether de la Espriella’s aggressive tactics will lead to greater security or deepen existing divisions. With a divided Congress and a country still reeling from years of unrest, his ability to implement sweeping reforms will be tested. Meanwhile, the recent bombings serve as a grim reminder of the volatile landscape he must navigate.