On Thursday afternoon Alberto Otárola confirmed his resignation from his post as the country's Defense Minister.

"The events of recent days have led me to make this decision," Otárola said at a news conference, El Comercio reported.

Otárola and Minister of the Interior Daniel Lozada presented their letters of resignation earlier on Thursday, days after congressional representatives from four major political parties announced they would support a motion of no confidence, which was to be debated this Saturday.

The representatives argued Lozada and Otarola were responsible the deaths of several members of the police and armed forces, after narco-terrorist attacks last April.

During Thursday’s news conference, Otárola expressed his appreciation for members of law enforcement, and their “readiness and courage, to be a symbolic example for the country."

The outgoing minister also made a call for politicians to tackle terrorism, and said recent events confirmed the problem had not been dealt with appropriately, El Comercio reported.

Otárola said Congress was entitled to call for a vote of no confidence, and said he hoped the legislative body resumes its normal schedule after his resignation.

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