Car Bomb Attack Challenges Colombia’s New President
A car bomb exploded at a toll plaza on the Pan-American Highway in Colombia’s southwestern Cauca province, a day after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office. Two security personnel sustained minor injuries. The military suspects that two armed groups that split from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, carried out the attack. A witness said a man left the explosives-laden vehicle before fleeing on a motorcycle. The new government has vowed a tough response. Transport Minister Elsa Noguera said Colombia would not bow to violence or allow attacks on infrastructure connecting different regions. During his campaign, de la Espriella pledged a tougher military crackdown on armed groups and drug-trafficking networks.
His approach marks a shift from predecessor Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” policy of negotiating with armed groups. De la Espriella has said dialogue has ended and stronger military action is necessary. The new president has received support from US President Donald Trump, whose administration has pledged $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia. However, human rights groups have warned that a tougher military strategy could increase the risk of rights violations. The bombing highlights Colombia’s security crisis involving armed groups, criminal networks and drug trafficking, presenting an early test for the new administration.
