Police vehicle targeted in explosive attack in rural Cúcuta; commander and patrolman unharmed

A police vehicle was targeted in a bombing and shooting attack on the road between Cúcuta and Puerto Santander in Colombia's Norte de Santander region. The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 28, 2026.

The official armored vehicle was carrying Major José Luis Vargas Manrique, commander of the Puerto Santander police station, and patrolman Holguer Jaimes, who was driving. Both men escaped the attack unharmed. The vehicle, however, suffered material damage from the explosion of an improvised explosive device and subsequent gunfire.

The police reported that the attack took place in the Alto Viento village, a rural area of Cúcuta. The institution strongly condemned the criminal act, emphasizing its commitment to the safety of citizens and law enforcement officers. They have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could aid the investigation, offering absolute confidentiality to informants via the emergency line 123. The police are committed to ensuring justice and bringing the perpetrators to account.

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fue activado un artefacto explosivo improvisado al paso de un vehículo de la Estación de Policía Puerto Santander y en el vehículo se movilizaba el comandante de la estación y el conductor, quienes resultaron ilesos. El automotor presentó daños materiales