Colombia: Explosion Rocks Toll Plaza, Military Increases Security Amid FARC-Linked Attack

According to the military, the explosion occurred at a toll plaza on the Pan-American Highway, located in the southwest of the country. This route is the main road in this part of the country and connects the departments of Cauca and Valle del Cauca. A security guard told authorities that the explosion was caused by a vehicle that a man had left there. After leaving the vehicle, the man fled on a motorcycle. After the attack, the military took over the security of the area. Soldiers also began searching for other explosive devices in the area with the help of trained dogs. The Colombian military alleged that the attack was carried out by two breakaway factions of the FARC. These factions do not accept the FARC peace agreement signed with the Colombian government nearly a decade ago. The military increased security in the area after the attack and began searching for possible other explosive devices. The explosion occurred just a day after President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in. His inauguration speech in front of the Cauca del Cauca capital was held on Friday.