Colombia's Outgoing Defense Minister Warns of Terrorism Risk Ahead of Presidential Inauguration

Sanchez told La FM radio that authorities were tracking a threat, saying criminals would "most likely" attempt to disrupt the democratic event with acts of terrorism. The ceremony was moved from Bogota to Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, at de la Espriella's request despite its proximity to rebel-controlled areas. Around 11,000 troops are being deployed, and a no-fly zone on drones has been imposed over Cali and its surroundings, as rebel fighters have previously used drones to drop explosives.

In the nearby department of Cauca, a FARC dissident faction operates under Ivan Mordisco, Colombia's most wanted rebel leader. De la Espriella, 48, who narrowly won June's run-off, campaigned on dismantling outgoing President Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" strategy. Petro has disputed the result and will not attend. Presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Ecuador, along with Spain's King Felipe VI, are expected to attend.