Ombudsman warns of escalating violence after Cúcuta car bomb

Colombia's Ombudsman's Office has issued a stark warning of escalating violence after a car bomb exploded outside a police command in Cúcuta, injuring 11 police officers and three civilians. The entity expressed deep concern over the terrorist attack, which it stated clearly demonstrates a "worrying escalation of violence" in the region.

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This terrorist attack evidences a worrying escalation of violence in that region of the country.

Iris Marín Ortiz, the Ombudsman, highlighted that the bombing in an urban area created moments of "anxiety" among residents and significantly increased risks for the civilian population. The National Police reported that in addition to the injured, a police dog was killed in the attack. Authorities are actively pursuing those responsible.

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The succession of these events demonstrates, without a doubt, an intensification of violent actions against the Public Force and, at the same time, an increase in risk for the civilian population.

The Ombudsman's Office emphasized that this attack is not an isolated incident. It follows a series of violent events in Norte de Santander over the past week, including attacks on police officials. The office views the "succession of these events" as undeniable proof of intensified actions against law enforcement and a heightened danger to civilians.

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The right to life must prevail under any circumstance and reminded of the obligations imposed by international humanitarian law.

In response, the Ombudsman's Office urgently called on illegal armed groups to cease all violent actions and respect the lives and property of the population, as well as essential infrastructure. They specifically requested that groups refrain from carrying out attacks that could increase fear or endanger citizens in the coming days. The office also reminded all parties involved in the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law, stressing the prohibition of indiscriminate methods of warfare that terrorize communities or cause excessive harm to non-combatants.

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It is prohibited to employ methods or means of war that produce indiscriminate effects, generate terror among the community, or cause excessive damage to persons unrelated to hostilities.