Abelardo de la Espriella’s first day at the helm of Colombia’s presidency was marked by two explosive attacks.
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A police officer was killed and several other people were injured. Following the incidents, the country’s new leader warned that those responsible would have nowhere to hide and would face punishment.
The first explosion was recorded near the city of Cali, in the municipality of Santander de Quilichao, where explosives destroyed a tollbooth along the Pan-American Highway. Two security workers suffered minor injuries.
Colombia’s military blamed the attack on FARC dissidents operating under the orders of Iván Mordiscos, one of the country’s most wanted guerrillas. The group he leads withdrew from the historic 2016 peace agreement.
About 1,000 kilometers farther north, in the department of Cesar, a drone loaded with explosives struck a police station, killing an officer. Authorities have yet to determine who was behind the attack.
De la Espriella, who has warned that he will end peace negotiations and launch a stronger offensive against guerrillas and drug traffickers, said these acts would not go without consequences. The new president is taking over Colombia during one of the most violent periods of the past decade.
