Car bomb injures 11 in Colombian border city ahead of presidential transition

A car bomb exploded in the border city of Cucuta, injuring at least 11 people, including eight police officers and three civilians, according to the regional security secretary. The incident occurred six days before Abelardo de la Espriella is scheduled to assume the presidency, succeeding outgoing President Gustavo Petro.

"I condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly terrorist attack carried out in Cucuta against our National Police," de la Espriella said in a post on the social media platform X.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. Authorities note that several armed actors operate in the area, including the National Liberation Army (ELN), dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the criminal organization Clan del Golfo.

The attack adds to a pattern of violence that has marked Colombia’s election cycle, with rebel groups previously linked to bombings and drone strikes. De la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer who has not previously held public office, has pledged a tough stance against rebel groups and criminal networks that profit from the country’s cocaine trade.

His upcoming inauguration on August 7 will be held at Bogotá’s City Hall and is expected to involve a large security presence, including thousands of soldiers and police officers.