Colombia's Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez has warned of a specific "terrorism" threat to Friday's inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella in Cali. The military is deploying about 11,000 troops and enforcing a drone no-fly zone after rebels previously used drones to drop explosives. The ceremony was moved from Bogotá despite security concerns; outgoing President Gustavo Petro disputes the result and will not attend. Authorities say dissident FARC elements in Cauca led by Ivan Mordisco are among the potential risks.
Security Alert: Colombia Warns Of Terrorism Threat Ahead Of Cali Inauguration
Colombian soldiers search a man before the upcoming presidential inauguration of Colombia's president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, in Cali, Colombia, on August 4, 2026 [AFP]
Colombia's outgoing Defence Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has warned of a specific and credible "terrorism" threat targeting the presidential inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, scheduled for Friday in Cali. Intelligence services are reportedly tracking a plot that authorities fear could seek to disrupt the ceremony with violent acts.
Heightened Security Measures
To protect the event and visiting dignitaries, the Colombian military is deploying roughly 11,000 troops to the Cali region and has imposed a drone no-fly zone over the city and surrounding areas. Officials cite prior incidents in which rebel groups used drones to drop explosives as a key reason for the aerial restrictions.
“Most likely, these criminals would attempt to disrupt this democratic event with acts of terrorism,” Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez told La FM.
Why Cali?
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, 48, asked Congress to move the handover from Bogotá to Cali, despite the city’s proximity to areas where armed groups operate. The southwest region has seen recent militia attacks, and security officials say the move presents additional logistical and safety challenges.
Threat Landscape
Near Cali, in the department of Cauca, a dissident FARC faction operates under the command of Ivan Mordisco—an alias linked to one of Colombia’s most wanted rebel leaders. Authorities say this and other armed groups are among the potential sources of the reported threat.
Political Context
De la Espriella, from the hard-right, campaigned on dismantling outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s "Total Peace" negotiations with armed groups. Petro has publicly disputed the election result and confirmed he will not attend Friday’s ceremony. Several foreign leaders, including the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Ecuador, as well as Spain's King Felipe VI, are expected to attend.
Officials continue to urge caution and say security measures may be adjusted as intelligence develops.
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