Explosion Near Colombian Police Station Injures Eleven

At least 11 individuals sustained injuries when a truck filled with explosives detonated beside a Colombian police station near the Venezuela border. The incident occurred six days prior to President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s inauguration.

AFP reporters observed flames and damaged buildings in the northern city of Cucuta. Police, soldiers, and residents assembled at the scene of the attack. Local security officials confirmed the number of injured.

We have eight police officers and three civilians injured,” stated George Quintero, security secretary for Norte de Santander, where the attack took place. “This was an atrocious, violent act and what happened is regrettable.

De la Espriella strongly condemned the bombing, stating that terrorism will not intimidate Colombia. Authorities announced a reward of over $32,000 for information leading to the capture of those responsible.

Set to take office on August 7 in Cali, De la Espriella follows Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president. Supported by President Donald Trump, De la Espriella, a wealthy lawyer, pledged to increase efforts against guerrilla groups and drug-trafficking organizations. Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine producer.

To achieve his goals, De la Espriella plans to form a military alliance with the United States and Israel. In a recent military parade in Bogota, he reiterated his stance. Meanwhile, outgoing President Petro, who is visiting Cuba, has not yet commented on the attack.

Petro is in Havana discussing the U.S. ‘policy of strangulation’ towards Cuba and the Trump administration’s Caribbean drug-trafficking vessel attacks. The new government signifies a political shift, diverging from the left-wing administration’s previous peace negotiations with armed groups.

The presidential inauguration, traditionally held in Bogota, will take place in Cali at De la Espriella’s request. This area faces conflict between drug gangs and guerrillas. The event will feature an extensive security setup involving about 11,000 soldiers and officers.

Initially, De la Espriella aimed to be sworn in at a military outpost in the conflict-affected Cauca region, a plan not authorized by Petro. Guerrilla groups have issued warnings as De la Espriella plans to end peace negotiations initiated by Petro.

The election period experienced political violence, escalating armed conflicts with attacks like bombings and drone strikes against security forces. In 2025, right-wing presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was fatally shot during an event in Bogota. De la Espriella has often claimed a plot exists to assassinate him.