Car bomb attack rattles Colombia after inauguration of hardline president
Government promises harsh response following explosives attack on Pan-American Highway in southwest of country.
On the first day of his presidency, Colombia's new right-wing leader Abelardo de la Espriella received $1 billion in financial assistance from the United States. De la Espriella, an ally of US President Donald Trump, was sworn in on Friday and vowed to wage a "war" on "narco-terrorism" during his maiden speech. The US State Department announced the support as part of a security package aimed at combating organized crime and illegal immigration.
The inauguration took place in the volatile city of Cali, chosen by de la Espriella to signal a tough stance on armed groups in the region. Despite his left-wing predecessor's frequent clashes with Trump, de la Espriella has sought to strengthen US ties with Colombia, promising a military alliance with the US and Israel. The US has welcomed de la Espriella's pro-growth agenda, which it believes will deepen economic ties between the two nations.
Written by urgent.news from KahawaTungu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- A car-bomb attack targets southwest Colombia a day after conservative president takes office apnews.com
- US gifts $1bn to Colombia on new right-wing president’s first day of office kahawatungu.com
- Colombia rocked by car bomb blast a day after new President takes charge timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- US offers $1bn to Colombia on new right-wing president’s first day of office island.lk
- US offers $1bn to Colombia on new right-wing president’s first day of office myjoyonline.com
