Terror in Cúcuta: footage of the bomb attack on the Santander Police Command
On August 1, 2025, the police headquarters in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia, was attacked using explosives, resulting in several officers being injured. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning and was captured in videos shared on social media, showing citizens reacting in fear as a car bomb exploded near the police station. According to an audio obtained by SEMANA, a police officer described the scene after the explosion, noting the vehicle was completely destroyed and many people were present at the site. Images provided to SEMANA show multiple injured officers receiving assistance from their colleagues. Some individuals who recorded the event reportedly called it a 'terrorist attack,' referencing the location near their homes and the burning of a bank. In response, Governor William Villamizar condemned the attack and announced plans to lead security efforts in the metropolitan area. He emphasized cooperation with authorities to identify those responsible and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
The Colombian airport Camilo Daza in Cúcuta has implemented a temporary restriction on accompanying travelers following a terrorist attack involving a car bomb. The measure, which took effect on Sunday, August 2, 2026, prohibits non-ticketed individuals from entering the terminal. According to a statement issued by Aeropuertos del Oriente S.A.S., this decision was made in response to the bombing that occurred early Saturday morning near the Police Command of the Department of Norte de Santander. The attack left 12 police officers injured, three civilians hurt, and one canine fatality. The incident took place in the Abastos district, close to the police command center. The vehicle used in the attack was identified as an NPR-type truck, reportedly equipped with explosives and modified to launch them toward the facility. Two suspects associated with the ELN’s Front Carlos Germán Velasco Villamizar were detained before detonating the device. The attack was officially classified as a terrorist act by authorities. The two individuals, known as alias David and alias Nike, have been offered substantial rewards by the government for their capture, $800 million and $150 million respectively. In reaction to the attack, President Pedro Sánchez convened an emergency security meeting in Cúcuta, attended by high-ranking officials including General Hugo López Barreto, head of the Armed Forces, and General William Rincón, head of the National Police. During the meeting, measures were announced aimed at enhancing security in the city. These include reinforcing a "lockdown" strategy, deploying additional military units, utilizing drones, and increasing intelligence operations. The Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC) will support these efforts with specialized capabilities to detect threats. The mayor of Cúcuta, Jorge Acevedo, announced further restrictions to ensure public safety. From Saturday until Monday, August 2, motorbike parrilleros (street food vendors) will be restricted from operating between midnight and 6 a.m. Additionally, heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses will face movement limitations around the stadium area during the same period. On August 7, the city will observe a "day without cars," restricting traffic from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. These measures aim to provide peace and stability during upcoming celebrations related to the presidential inauguration of Abelardo De La Espriella. The police department confirmed that the attack targeted the police command, with the vehicle being abandoned just meters away from the medical unit. This action violated international humanitarian law by targeting protected facilities. The truck had been modified with false license plates, ramps for launching explosive devices, and electronic activation systems. It was disguised with market goods like potatoes and carrots to avoid detection, and included a final explosive charge to destroy evidence. Among the injured are 12 police officers and three civilians, including several who were transported to the Medical Duarte Clinic in Cúcuta. The damage caused includes six residences, the Esparta operation center, nine institutional vehicles, the Banco BBVA, and the Automarcol dealership. The attack has sparked widespread concern and calls for increased security measures throughout the country. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, with some suggesting it may be linked to the political context surrounding the new administration's inauguration. The police have proposed that the attack could be part of a broader effort to destabilize the current government, particularly in light of failed peace negotiations with the ELN. They also noted the possibility of involvement from the ELN’s National Mass Mobilization Component (CNM) in potential future protests. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining order in the region.
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