Colombia's new government begins with multiple explosive attacks

Colombia's new government, inaugurated just one day prior, was immediately met with a series of explosive attacks targeting police stations and municipal toll booths in various regions. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on Friday, condemned the violence, stating that attacks on national infrastructure undermine progress and the tranquility of millions.

The first incident occurred early Saturday morning when unidentified individuals detonated explosives at a toll booth under construction on the Pan-American Highway, between Popayán and Cali. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this attack. However, another "terrorist attack" involving a vehicle-laden with explosives struck a toll booth under construction in Santander de Quilichao, Cauca, injuring two security guards.

Tragically, Sub-Intendente Argemiro Rodelo Canchila died from injuries sustained in a drone-borne explosive attack on the San Roque police substation in Cesar. President De la Espriella vowed that those responsible would face the full force of the law, emphasizing that such attacks strengthen the government's resolve to defeat terrorism. In Antioquia, Governor Andrés Julián Rendón reported a drone attack on the Porce III police station in Guadalupe, which he attributed to the FARC's Front 36. De la Espriella's administration has pledged a relentless fight against drug trafficking, crime, and "narco-guerrillas."

In line with this commitment, authorities announced the capture of Héctor Bastidas, alias Bonito, identified as a second-in-command for the illegal armed group Comandos de la Frontera, a dissident faction of the FARC. This operation, conducted under judicial order and intelligence work, was presented as evidence of the government's "frontal fight" against armed conflict.