Colombia bombings mark new president's first day

On August 8, 2026, the first day of President Abelardo de la Espriella's term, two bombing attacks occurred in Colombia. A car bomb exploded at a toll plaza on the Pan-American Highway in Santander de Quilichao, Colombia — Cauca Department, injuring two security guards. The Colombia — National Army of Colombia attributed the attack to dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, led by FARC dissidents. In a separate incident in Colombia — Cesar Department, an explosive-laden drone struck a police station, killing one police officer. President de la Espriella condemned the attacks, vowing no impunity. He also ordered the transfer of 117 prisoners linked to previous peace talks to maximum-security prisons, signaling a hardline security approach and a break from predecessor Gustavo Petro's policies. The attacks underscore ongoing violence from dissident groups and drug trafficking organizations.