**Colombia Minister Warns of Terrorism Threat Ahead of Presidential Inauguration**
CALI, Colombia — As Colombia prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, concerns over potential terrorist threats have escalated. Outgoing Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that authorities are monitoring credible threats aimed at disrupting the democratic event scheduled for Friday.
Speaking to La FM, Sanchez emphasized the seriousness of the situation, indicating that there is a likelihood of criminal elements attempting to carry out acts of terrorism during the inauguration. "Most likely, these criminals would attempt to disrupt this democratic event with acts of terrorism," he stated, underscoring the heightened security measures being implemented in response to the threat.
The inauguration will take place in Cali, located in the southwest region of Colombia, a city that has recently experienced a series of militia attacks. De la Espriella, who won the presidency in a narrow runoff election held in June, requested that the inauguration be moved from the capital city of Bogotá to Cali, despite the latter's proximity to areas controlled by rebel groups.
In preparation for the event, the Colombian military is deploying approximately 11,000 troops to ensure security. Additionally, a no-fly zone has been established over Cali and its surrounding areas to prevent the use of drones, which have previously been employed by rebel fighters to drop explosives.
The inauguration is expected to draw significant attention, with several foreign dignitaries in attendance, including the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador, as well as Spain’s King Felipe VI. The presence of these leaders highlights the international interest in Colombia's political landscape amid ongoing security concerns.
Cali is situated near the department of Cauca, where a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) operates. This group is led by Ivan Mordisco, who is recognized as one of Colombia's most wanted rebel leaders. The region's instability has raised alarms about the potential for violence during the inauguration.
De la Espriella's election marks a significant shift in Colombia's political direction, as he campaigned on dismantling the "Total Peace" strategy initiated by outgoing President Gustavo Petro. This approach aimed to negotiate peace with various armed groups in the country. In a notable development, Petro has publicly disputed the election results and announced that he will not attend the inauguration ceremony.
As the nation gears up for this pivotal moment in its political history, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of all participants during the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. The Colombian government is taking extensive measures to mitigate the risks posed by potential terrorist threats, reflecting the ongoing challenges the country faces in its pursuit of stability and peace.