"Tens of tons of explosives": Petro denounces plot in Cali days before De la Espriella's inauguration

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro has raised alarms about "tens of tons of explosives" allegedly present in Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca department. Petro stated that drug trafficking groups are planning terrorist acts to justify a declaration of internal commotion.

"We know of the existence of tens of tons of explosives in Cali. The drug trafficking groups want to act in a terrorist manner to provide an excuse for internal commotion," Petro announced in a message on X, without providing further details. Internal commotion is a constitutional provision in Colombia that allows the government to issue decrees to address severe public order disturbances for up to 90 days.

The security for the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, scheduled for Friday, is being managed by over 11,000 military and police personnel. Cali is located in a region heavily impacted by armed conflict, particularly by dissident groups.