First day in office: Colombia's new president faces deadly bombings

On the day of his inauguration in Cali, Colombia's newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella faced his first challenge in the form of deadly bombings. At least one police officer was killed and several others were injured. The acts of violence were carried out by FARC guerrilla dissidents, specifically by a commander named Ivan Morodisco, who had broken away from the historic 2016 peace agreement.

The first bombing targeted a highway tollbooth near Cali, causing minor injuries to two security guards. The rebels operating in the vicinity of the tollbooth under Morodisco's command destroyed the structure with explosives. De la Espriella condemned the attack on social media, vowing no leniency or impunity to those responsible.

In the northern department of Cesar, another bombing claimed the life of a police officer. An explosive-equipped drone struck a police station, though no suspects have been identified yet. De la Espriella vowed that whoever is responsible will not go unpunished and promised to intensify attacks against guerrilla groups and drug traffickers, with assistance from the United States and Israel.

The new president, who admires US President Donald Trump and El Salvador's hardline leader Nayib Bukele, has faced opposition from the very guerrilla groups and drug traffickers he aims to combat. His confrontational approach has been met with high tensions, as Roberto Sandoval, a local resident, described the atmosphere as tense and fearful.

The United States government has pledged $1 billion in security assistance to support Colombia's government in its efforts. This aid, described as a cornerstone of a renewed partnership, aims to help Colombia achieve shared goals in the fight against drug trafficking. Trump endorsed de la Espriella during the elections and welcomed Colombia into the Shield of the Americas, a military alliance of right-wing leaders aimed at combating drug trafficking.