Colombia offers up to $270,000 for information on bombing suspect

Colombian authorities have offered a reward of up to 800 million pesos, approximately $270,000, for information leading to the capture of an ELN guerrilla leader known as "David." He is accused of orchestrating a car bomb attack in Cúcuta, a city on the Venezuelan border, which injured 11 people.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez stated that initial investigations point to "David" and another individual, "Nay or Nike," both members of the ELN, as the alleged masterminds behind the attacks targeting civilians and security forces. A separate reward of up to 150 million pesos ($48,000) is offered for "Nay or Nike."

The injured include eight police officers and three civilians. The explosion on Saturday morning damaged the police station in the Tasajero neighborhood, as well as nearby homes and businesses. The car carrying the explosives reportedly did not raise suspicion due to its early morning arrival near the Cenabastos market, a hub for agricultural product deliveries.

The UN Human Rights Office in Colombia condemned the attack, emphasizing that international humanitarian law prohibits such actions against civilians and security forces. The office reiterated its call to non-state armed groups to adhere to these regulations, while Minister Sánchez Suárez vowed that security forces would relentlessly pursue those responsible.