Colombia: Two bomb attacks on president's first day in office

Colombia experienced two significant bomb attacks on the very first day of President Abelardo de la Espriella's presidency, signaling immediate security challenges for the new administration. The incidents occurred shortly after de la Espriella's inauguration ceremony in Cali.

The first attack, attributed to FARC dissidents, targeted a toll booth in Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca department. The explosion injured two security guards. In a separate incident in the northern department of Cesar, a drone strike hit a police station in the town of Curumaní, resulting in at least one police officer killed and several others wounded.

These attacks underscore a concerning trend in Colombia: the increasing use of drones by criminal organizations. Fighters linked to organized crime have reportedly gained experience in drone warfare, possibly from conflicts abroad, and are now employing this technology domestically. While FARC signed a peace agreement in 2016, splinter groups continue armed conflict. The defense ministry estimates that various factions conducted 264 drone attacks in 2024-2025, primarily for dropping explosives.

President de la Espriella condemned the attacks, issuing a stern warning to perpetrators. "There is no hiding place, no mercy, and no impunity," he stated via the X platform. His tough stance against drug cartels and criminal organizations was evident even before he took office. The U.S. has pledged $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia.

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There is no hiding place, no mercy, and no impunity.