VIDEO/ Truck Carrying Explosives Blows Up Near Police Station in Colombia, Injuring 14

A truck loaded with explosives blew up near a police station in Cucuta, a Colombian city close to the border with Venezuela, leaving 14 people injured. The attack occurred just days before Colombia’s president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, is due to take office.

Colombian authorities reported that the injured include 11 police officers and three civilians. The governor of the Norte de Santander department, William Villamizar, said two of the officers were in critical condition and fighting for their lives.

The government in Bogota attributed responsibility for the attack to the National Liberation Army (ELN), which is considered the largest guerrilla group still active in Colombia. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez called the perpetrators “narco-terrorists” and announced a reward of more than $64,000 for information leading to their arrest.

Abelardo de la Espriella strongly condemned the explosion, describing it as a “horrific and violent act.” The president-elect said Colombia would not be intimidated by terrorism and vowed that the fight against armed groups would continue.

The attack was also condemned by the United Nations, which noted that the incident had caused fear and insecurity among local residents.

The incident comes at a politically charged moment, as De la Espriella is expected to take office on August 7. He will succeed Gustavo Petro, the first left-wing president in Colombia’s history.

The incoming president has announced that he intends to end peace negotiations with armed groups, a process launched during Petro’s administration. Talks with the ELN were suspended in January 2025 after the guerrilla organization launched an offensive in the northeast of the country in which more than 100 people were killed.

De la Espriella has pledged to intensify the fight against guerrillas and drug-trafficking organizations. According to him, this campaign will be conducted with support from the United States and in cooperation with Israel.

Security concerns have led to the inauguration ceremony being moved from Bogota to the city of Cali. Around 11,000 soldiers and police officers will be deployed to ensure security on land, in the air and at sea.

During the election campaign, Colombia was swept by a new wave of political violence involving bombings, the use of drones equipped with explosives and attacks against security forces. De la Espriella has repeatedly claimed that there are plots to kill him.

Meanwhile, outgoing President Gustavo Petro is visiting Cuba. So far, he has not publicly commented on the attack.