Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration

A truck bomb detonated near a police station in Cucuta, Colombia, injuring at least 11 people just six days before the scheduled inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. The blast occurred on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the northern city near the Venezuelan border.

“

At this time, we have eight police officers and three civilians who have been injured.

Security officials confirmed that eight police officers and three civilians sustained injuries. AFP reporters at the scene observed a vehicle engulfed in flames, damaged building facades, and emergency personnel and residents gathering around the site. George Quintero, security secretary for the department of Norte de Santander, described the incident as an "atrocious, violent act."

President-elect de la Espriella strongly condemned the bombing, stating, "Terrorism will not intimidate Colombia." Authorities have announced a reward exceeding $32,000 for information that helps apprehend those responsible for the attack. De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer, is set to assume office on August 7 in Cali, succeeding the nation's first leftist president, Gustavo Petro.

“

This was an atrocious, violent act ... and what happened is regrettable.

De la Espriella, who campaigned with the support of then-President Donald Trump, pledged to intensify efforts against guerrilla and drug-trafficking organizations fueling a decade-high wave of violence in Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer. He plans to establish a military alliance with the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, outgoing President Petro, who has been in Cuba discussing U.S. policies, has not yet commented on the bombing. The new administration is expected to mark a significant political shift from Petro's four-year term, which focused on peace negotiations and drug policy reform.

“

Terrorism will not intimidate Colombia.