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Bomb Attack in Colombia Injures 11 Ahead of Presidential Inauguration

From Confidencial · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A car bomb exploded near a police command center in Cúcuta, Colombia, injuring at least eleven people, including eight police officers.
  • The attack occurred six days before the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who condemned the bombing.
  • Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of those responsible for the attack, which targeted the police headquarters.

A powerful car bomb detonated near the police command center in Cúcuta, Colombia, injuring at least eleven people, including eight police officers. The blast, which occurred on Saturday, was followed by further explosions in the same sector. The attack took place just six days before the scheduled inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who has vowed a tough stance against violence.

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

— Abelardo de la EspriellaCondemning the car bomb attack in Cúcuta.

President-elect De la Espriella strongly condemned the "cowardly terrorist attack" targeting the National Police. "My solidarity with the injured officers, their families, and all citizens experiencing anguish," he stated via social media. George Quintero, Secretary of Security for Norte de Santander department, confirmed the casualties, describing the event as "atrocious and violent."

Authorities have announced a reward exceeding $32,000 for information that helps apprehend the perpetrators. The bomb was intended for the police command in the Tasajero neighborhood, an area close to residential buildings and a major produce market. The vehicle carrying the explosives reportedly did not raise suspicion upon arrival. Among the injured was a woman selling coffee from a street stall.

We currently have eight injured police officers and three private citizens... It is an atrocious, violent act... and what happened is regrettable.

— George QuinteroSecretary of Security for Norte de Santander, detailing the casualties.

Designated Defense Minister Jorge Eduardo Mora, a native of Cúcuta, also vehemently denounced the attack, emphasizing that "the violent will not succeed in sowing fear or breaking the institutions." He called for unity and firmness to confront those who threaten citizens' lives and security. This incident follows a recent ambush that injured two police officers near El Zulia and the assassination of a journalist in Cúcuta in June. Various armed groups, including the ELN and FARC dissidents, operate in the Norte de Santander region.

The violent will not succeed in sowing fear or breaking the institutions. Colombia needs unity and firmness to confront those who attack the life, security, and tranquility of citizens. I reaffirm my commitment to working for a strengthened Public Force and for a country where violence does not have the last word.

— Jorge Eduardo MoraDesignated Defense Minister, responding to the attack.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Confidencial in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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