11 Injured in Bomb Attack in Colombia Ahead of President-Elect's Inauguration

An explosion from a truck laden with explosives near a police station in Cúcuta, Colombia, injured at least 11 people on Saturday. The blast occurred just days before the scheduled inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.

George Quintero, the security secretary for the Norte de Santander department, reported eight police officers and three civilians were wounded. Witnesses described a burning vehicle, damaged building facades, and emergency personnel and residents gathering at the scene.

President-elect De la Espriella strongly condemned the "cowardly terrorist attack" targeting the national police. He asserted that terrorism would not intimidate Colombia or deter its citizens' determination to live in peace and security. De la Espriella, a right-wing politician, is set to assume office on August 7, succeeding the left-wing Gustavo Petro.

De la Espriella has pledged to intensify the fight against insurgents and drug trafficking organizations, which have been linked to significant violence in Colombia over the past decade. His administration plans to forge military alliances with the United States and Israel. The president-elect's plans to end peace negotiations initiated by Petro have drawn warnings from rebel groups, leading to extensive security measures for his inauguration, involving approximately 11,000 soldiers and police officers.

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What I most strongly condemn is the cowardly terrorist attack perpetrated in Cúcuta against our national police... Terrorism will not intimidate Colombia, nor will it break the determination of Colombians to live in peace and security.