The vehicle loaded with explosives was detonated in front of a police station in Los Patios, near Cúcuta. The explosion damaged homes, businesses, and vehicles in the area
The area of Norte de Santander is one of the main points of activity for illegal armed groups due to its strategic location next to the border with Venezuela. The ELN has a historical presence in the department and in areas of Venezuelan territory close to the border, where it competes for corridors used for illicit activities.
A car bomb exploded in front of the Police Station in Los Patios, in the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, during the night of Monday, August 31. The attack left one person dead and 11 injured, including nine civilians and two police officers, according to the updated report from Colombian authorities.
The explosion occurred around 11:15 PM and caused significant damage to the infrastructure of the police station, as well as affecting vehicles, motorcycles, commercial establishments, and homes located in the vicinity.
The vehicle used in the attack was loaded with approximately 80 kilograms of explosives and was detonated using a remote control mechanism, according to initial investigations. The force of the explosion caused fires and a significant shockwave that affected a large part of the area near the station.
Authorities initially attributed the attack to structures of the National Liberation Army (ELN) with a presence in Cúcuta and its metropolitan area. The mayor of Los Patios, Alexi Valencia Lizcano, and Colonel Jimmy Balcázar pointed to the guerrilla group as responsible for the attack.
After the explosion, the Police deployed a large operation to secure the area, attend to the injured, and determine if there were other explosives in the vicinity. A review of security cameras and other elements that may help identify those responsible was also initiated.
The Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, called for an extraordinary Security Council in Cúcuta and assured that his Government will pursue those responsible for attacks against the population and security forces. The president stated that illegal armed groups will not be allowed to use violence to instill fear in the population.
As investigations progress, authorities are maintaining heightened security in Los Patios and other municipalities in the metropolitan area of Cúcuta. The Government seeks to determine the chain of responsibility behind the attack and establish new measures to prevent armed organizations from using explosives against police facilities and urban areas again.
