Colombian defense minister fears terror at president's inauguration

Colombia's outgoing defense minister has issued a stark warning of potential terror attacks during the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella. The ceremony is slated to take place Friday in Cali, the country's third-largest city, which has recently experienced guerrilla assaults and lies close to territories controlled by armed rebel groups.

De la Espriella, a 48-year-old right-wing candidate who narrowly won the June presidential election, has pledged a hardline approach against the nation's various armed factions. He plans to dismantle the "total peace" strategy of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, which prioritized negotiations with guerrilla groups.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed concerns about a "threat" of attacks on the day of the ceremony. "Criminals will most likely try to disrupt this democratic event with terrorist acts," Sánchez told La FM radio station, as reported by AFP. The inauguration is expected to be attended by the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador, along with Spain's King Felipe.