Explosive Truck Attack Near Venezuelan Border Injures Eleven Days Before Colombian Inauguration

A truck packed with explosives blew up next to a police station in Cucuta, a border city with Venezuela, injuring a total of eleven people—eight police officers and three civilians, according to security secretary George Quintero. The blast caused flames, damaged facades and drew soldiers, police and residents to the scene. Officials denounced the incident as a heinous act and offered a reward exceeding $32,000 for tips identifying those responsible.

The bombing occurs six days before the inauguration of the right-wing president-elect, who will take office in Cali on Aug. 7, and follows a period of political violence during the outgoing administration. The new leader has pledged to intensify the fight against guerrillas and drug traffickers, planning a massive security deployment for the ceremony. No group has claimed responsibility, but guerrilla factions have previously warned the incoming president.