Colombia minister warns of ‘terrorism’ threat at presidential inauguration

What the report says

Colombia’s outgoing defence minister has warned of a heightened security risk ahead of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s inauguration, which is set for Friday in the southwest city of Cali. According to Al Jazeera, Pedro Sanchez said authorities were monitoring a potential threat that could involve attempts to disrupt the ceremony with what he described as terrorism. The inauguration has been moved away from the capital, Bogota, and held in a region that has recently experienced militia attacks.

Al Jazeera reported that de la Espriella, 48, won a narrow June runoff and requested the relocation of the event despite Cali’s proximity to areas where rebel groups operate. To protect the ceremony, the military is deploying about 11,000 troops and restricting drone flights over Cali and nearby areas. The article also noted that rebel fighters in Colombia have previously used drones to drop explosives.

Several foreign dignitaries are expected to attend, including the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Ecuador, as well as Spain’s King Felipe VI. The report said de la Espriella campaigned on ending outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” approach to armed groups. Petro has disputed the election outcome and said he will not attend the inauguration. In broader context, Colombia has faced long-running violence from rebel and dissident armed groups, especially in regions such as Cauca near Cali.