Car-bomb attack targets southwest Colombia a day after conservative president takes office

A car bomb exploded Saturday in southwestern Colombia, killing no one but injuring two security guards, according to the military. The attack occurred just a day after Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative political newcomer, was sworn in as the nation’s new president. The military attributed the bombing to two splinter factions of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which had previously agreed to a peace deal with the government a decade ago. These groups reportedly reject the terms of the accord and continue to operate under the banner of armed struggle. The explosion took place at a toll plaza along the Pan-American Highway, the primary artery connecting the departments of Cauca and Valle del Cauca. This highway links to Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca, where de la Espriella’s inauguration ceremony took place on Friday. During his speech, the newly elected president emphasized his commitment to strengthening national security and warned illegal groups they must either comply with the law or face confrontation with security forces. His remarks underscored a shift toward a more hardline approach compared to his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who had advocated for continued dialogue with armed groups. According to the military, the attack was executed using a vehicle left behind by an individual who escaped on a motorcycle. The remnants of the vehicle, including its charred frame, were found scattered near the toll plaza. Local residents reported being awakened by the force of the blast, with some describing how the shockwave lifted objects off the ground and shattered windows. Elizabeth Zapata, a resident of the nearby area, recounted how her family members arrived home with pieces of broken glass embedded in their backs. The incident disrupted the lives of many in the region, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the area. Cauca Governor Jorge Octavio Guzmán expressed concern over the attack, suggesting it was part of a broader strategy to isolate the department and exert control over vast tracts of land. He described the assault as “systematic,” indicating that such incidents may represent a coordinated effort by armed groups to challenge the government’s authority. Meanwhile, Minister of Transportation Elsa Noguera issued a statement condemning the attack and affirming efforts to resume normal traffic flow through the area. She emphasized that Colombia would not tolerate acts of violence against its infrastructure. In addition to addressing the security threat, de la Espriella unveiled a controversial policy move on Saturday, announcing the relocation of 117 prisoners associated with the previous administration’s peace negotiations to maximum-security facilities. The decision, supported by the country’s corrections agency, aims to prevent these individuals from influencing or coordinating activities within prison walls. This action reflects de la Espriella’s rejection of the dialogue-based policies favored by his predecessor, Petro, and signals a potential hardening of the government’s stance on organized crime and former rebel leaders. De la Espriella, a 48-year-old lawyer and businessman, won a narrow victory in a June runoff election against Iván Cepeda, a progressive senator aligned with Petro. His win came amid intense political polarization, with Petro refusing to recognize the outcome and alleging widespread fraud. Despite these claims, the election results were validated by both domestic and international observers. As de la Espriella begins his presidency, he faces a complex landscape marked by internal political tensions, external threats from armed groups, and the challenge of restoring public confidence in state institutions.