A vehicle rigged with explosives detonated outside a police base in southwest Colombia on Wednesday, occurring just one day after the inauguration of the nation's new right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella.

The blast, which authorities are treating as a targeted terrorist attack, has resulted in the injury of 11 police officers. Reports from the scene also confirmed that a dog was killed in the explosion. While emergency crews and security forces cordoned off the area immediately following the incident, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The bombing serves as a grim early challenge for the de la Espriella administration, which officially took office yesterday with a platform centered on hardline security policies and a firm stance against criminal organizations. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, heightening concerns over security stability as the new government begins its term.

Local authorities are currently conducting a forensic sweep of the blast site to determine the nature of the explosive device and identify potential suspects. Police presence has been significantly increased across the region as officials work to prevent further attacks.

International observers are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the timing of the violence—directly coinciding with the change in executive leadership—suggests a calculated attempt to challenge the state's authority. The Colombian government is expected to issue a formal address regarding the security breach later today.

Source: Al Jazeera