At least 11 people were injured when a truck packed with explosives detonated next to a Colombian police station in the northern city of Cucuta, near the border with Venezuela.

George Quintero, the security secretary for the department of Norte de Santander, stated that the casualties included eight police officers and three civilians.

Atrocious, violent act... and what happened is regrettable
— George Quintero, security secretary for Norte de Santander

The bombing takes place six days before the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who is scheduled to take office on Aug. 7 in Cali.

Abelardo de la Espriella, a millionaire lawyer, condemned the bombing and stated that terrorism will not intimidate Colombia.

The President-elect has repeatedly alleged a plot to assassinate him.

more than $32,000 USD

Reward offered by authorities for information leading to the capture of those responsible for the bombing

Security and Political Context

The inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella will involve a security deployment of approximately 11,000 soldiers and police officers.

The right-wing President-elect will succeed Gustavo Petro, the first leftist president in Colombia's history.

Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged to pursue a harsh crackdown on rebel groups and criminal organisations, promising to intensify the fight against guerrillas and drug-trafficking organizations with the support of US President Donald Trump.

He also plans to forge a military alliance with the United States and Israel.

Colombia is the world's largest producer of cocaine.


Current President Gustavo Petro is visiting Havana, Cuba, to speak with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

The discussions in Cuba concern the US policy of strangulation against the island and attacks by the Trump administration on vessels in the Caribbean allegedly involved in drug trafficking.