06.08.2026 06:20
Before the inauguration ceremony of Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella in Cali, a bus carrying a bomb loaded with 420 kilograms of ammonium nitrate was neutralized by security forces. In the city, where President Gustavo Petro had previously warned of a possible bomb attack, security measures were raised to the highest level.
A major attack attempt was thwarted ahead of the inauguration ceremony of Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, scheduled for August 7. A bomb prepared with 420 kilograms of ammonium nitrate was detected in a bus stopped on the Pan-American Highway near the city of Cali.
Security officials announced that the explosive was safely neutralized as part of the 'Operation Prometheus' efforts.
MILITARY AND POLICE FACILITIES WERE THE TARGET
According to local media reports, the attack plan, prepared by the so-called Central General Staff (EMC), a dissident faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), targeted military and police facilities in Cali.
As part of the operation, security forces also seized seven tubes and launch platforms prepared for use in the attack, along with the bus loaded with explosives.
PETRO HAD PREVIOUSLY WARNED
Colombian President Gustavo Petro had previously warned the public about the possibility of a bomb attack in Cali, where the inauguration ceremony of President-elect De la Espriella would be held.
MORE THAN 11,000 SECURITY PERSONNEL TO BE DEPLOYED
De la Espriella said holding the inauguration ceremony in Cali is part of his goal to re-establish state authority and strengthen sovereignty in regions he claims were 'surrendered to drug terrorists' during Petro's tenure.
The inauguration ceremony will be held at the USC Arena at Santiago de Cali University. More than 11,000 soldiers and police officers will be deployed for the security of the ceremony.
POST-ELECTION POLITICAL TENSION CONTINUES
President Gustavo Petro, who does not recognize De la Espriella's election victory, announced he would hand over power on August 7, while calling on the opposition for demonstrations in Cali, Barranquilla, and Bogota.
Petro had alleged irregularities in the presidential election held on June 21, which right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly won against his left-wing rival Ivan Cepeda, and had filed a court appeal on July 22 requesting the annulment of the election.
De la Espriella, on the other hand, had promised to implement radical changes in the country and conduct a comprehensive fight against armed groups if he took office.