On Saturday, a truck loaded with explosives detonated next to a police station in Cucuta, Colombia, near the Venezuelan border. This attack occurred six days before the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.
The explosion injured at least 11 people, including eight police officers and three civilians. This information was confirmed by George Quintero, the security secretary for Norte de Santander, the department where the attack took place. Quintero described the incident as “atrocious and violent.”
Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing strongly, stating that terrorism would not intimidate Colombia. Authorities have announced a reward of over $32,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
De la Espriella, a right-wing politician, will take office on August 7 in Cali, succeeding Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president. Supported by President Donald Trump, de la Espriella intends to combat guerrillas and drug-trafficking organizations, which have contributed to Colombia’s highest level of violence in a decade. The country remains the largest producer of cocaine globally.
To achieve his goals, de la Espriella plans to establish a military alliance with the United States and Israel. His inauguration ceremony is expected to involve significant security measures, deploying around 11,000 soldiers and police officers.
Gustavo Petro, meanwhile, is visiting Cuba during his final days in office. There, he is discussing the United States’ policies toward Cuba with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Petro’s administration sought to negotiate peace with armed groups, attempting to shift the country’s approach to drug trafficking.
The upcoming government marks a change in Colombia’s political landscape following Petro’s administration. Hostile groups have issued warnings to de la Espriella regarding his plans to conclude peace talks initiated by Petro.
The recent election campaign was plagued by violence, with instances of political attacks and bombings. In a significant event in 2025, Miguel Uribe Turbay, a right-wing presidential candidate and senator, was shot at an event in Bogota and later died. De la Espriella has claimed there is a plot against his life.