At least 11 injured in terrorist attack in Colombian city of Cucuta

A car bomb detonated near the police headquarters in Cucuta, a Colombian city bordering Venezuela, injuring at least eight police officers and three civilians. The explosion, which occurred early Saturday, was followed by other detonations in the same sector. The bomb was placed in a vehicle near the police command in the Tasajero neighborhood, causing material damage to nearby homes and businesses.

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Eight police officers and three civilians were injured.

The attack occurred near the Cenabastos public market, a place where trucks carrying agricultural products arrive early in the morning. This location likely allowed the vehicle carrying the explosives to go unnoticed by authorities. One of the injured civilians was a woman selling coffee from a street stall.

Colombian Congresswoman Diana Riveros lamented the attack, noting that it marred the city's festive weekend. "Today Cucuta should be news for the joy of its fairs, not for explosions, gunfire, and terror," she stated on X, expressing her sorrow for the ongoing violence in the region.

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Today Cucuta should be news for the joy of its fairs, not for explosions, gunfire, and terror. I deeply regret seeing our department continue to suffer the consequences of violence. I stand with the injured police officers and every family experiencing anguish today.

The bombing comes just a week before the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who has pledged a firm response to violence. De la Espriella condemned the attack on X, expressing solidarity with the injured officers and citizens. "Terrorism will not intimidate Colombia nor will it break the will of Colombians to live in peace and security," he asserted, promising that those responsible would be brought to justice.

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I condemn with absolute firmness the cowardly terrorist attack perpetrated in Cucuta against our National Police. My solidarity with the injured uniformed officers, their families, and all citizens experiencing anguish today.

Jorge Eduardo Mora, the designated Minister of Defense for the incoming government and a native of Cucuta, also strongly condemned the terrorist act. He emphasized that "the violent will be clear that they will not succeed in sowing fear or breaking down institutions." Mora reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the police force and working towards a country free from violence.

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Terrorism will not intimidate Colombia nor will it break the will of Colombians to live in peace and security. Those responsible must be identified, captured, and brought to justice with the full force of the law.