Abelardo de la Espriella Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Cucuta as Colombia Prepares for Inauguration
A car bombing in the city of Cucuta on Saturday injured at least 11 people, including eight police officers and three civilians. The explosion occurred just six days before the inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella, who is set to take office as Colombia's next president. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed the National Liberation Army rebel group for the attack, offering a reward for the capture of those responsible. Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing as a "vile terrorist attack" and stated that terrorism would not intimidate the nation. The incoming president-elect, who received support from the administration of President Donald Trump, plans to shift the country's strategy toward a more militaristic approach to combat drug trafficking and rebel groups. This marks a significant ideological pivot from the outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who focused on peace negotiations. Abelardo de la Espriella will be sworn in at the City Hall in Cali, a ceremony that will feature a large security deployment of 11,000 soldiers and police officers.