Colombia offers $270,000 reward for info on ELN leader in Cúcuta bombing

Colombian authorities are offering a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of a top ELN guerrilla leader, alias David, who is suspected of orchestrating a car bomb attack in the border city of Cúcuta. The blast injured 11 people, including eight police officers and three civilians, and caused significant damage to property.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez announced that rewards of up to 800 million pesos (approximately $270,000) are available for information on alias David, and up to 150 million pesos (about $48,000) for another suspect, alias Nay or Nike. Both are identified as members of the ELN, a group described as a "narcoterrorist cartel."

The attack occurred early Saturday morning near the Tasajero police station, a location close to residential areas and businesses. The explosive-laden vehicle was reportedly not noticed by authorities due to its arrival during the early hours, when trucks delivering goods to the nearby Cenabastos market are common. Additional explosive devices were also detonated in the same sector, injuring a woman selling coffee from a street stall.

The UN Office for Human Rights in Colombia condemned the bombing, highlighting the injuries to civilians and police, some of whom are in serious condition. The office reiterated that non-state armed groups must adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law, which strictly prohibits such attacks.