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Car bomb hits southwestern Colombia a day after new president's swearing-in, army says
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A car bomb exploded Saturday at a toll plaza on the Pan-American Highway in southwestern Colombia, injuring two security guards; the army attributed the attack to dissident groups from the now-defunct FARC who rejected the 2016 peace agreement.
- The explosion occurred near Cali, where newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella had just delivered a speech warning illegal groups to submit to the law or face security forces.
- Authorities are securing the area and searching for additional explosives, while local officials believe the attack aims to isolate the Cauca department to maintain control over territory.
- President de la Espriella also announced the transfer of 117 prisoners linked to previous peace talks to maximum-security prisons to prevent criminal coordination from within prisons, signaling a hardline stance against armed groups.
- De la Espriella, a conservative political newcomer, narrowly won the June runoff election amid polarized politics and opposition from former President Gustavo Petro, who has refused to accept the election results.
