Teroristički napad na policijsku stanicu Los Patios, Cúcuta: predsjednik Abelardo De La Espriella najavljuje Vijeće sigurnosti

President Abelardo De La Espriella addressed the nation following a car bomb attack against the Los Patios Police Station in the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, Norte de Santander. The incident occurred late on Monday, August 31, and resulted in one civilian death, two injured police officers, and nine other civilians wounded. De La Espriella announced the formation of a Security Council with senior members of the security forces, which he confirmed he would attend personally. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining its presence in regions affected by terrorism and vowed a firm response to those responsible for such attacks. The explosion took place around 11:15 p.m. near the Los Patios Police Station. According to the Metropolitan Police of Cúcuta, the blast caused damage to police infrastructure, vehicles in the station's parking lot, and several motorcycles were destroyed. Preliminary reports indicated that the victims included one civilian who died and nine others who were being transported to medical centers for treatment. The police stated that the casualty figures were preliminary and subject to change. De La Espriella made his remarks after learning of the attack and reiterated the government’s resolve to pursue those behind such acts. “We will pursue with iron fist those who threaten Colombians until we capture them, dismantle their structures, and restore peace to our communities,” he said. He added that Colombia would not yield to terrorism. Governor William Villamizar Laguado of Norte de Santander condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims. He affirmed that the department would not succumb to violence or terrorism and called for the identification, capture, and prosecution of those responsible. Senator Enrique Gómez, director of the Salvación Nacional party, extended condolences to the families of the affected individuals and pledged that the government would not rest until the perpetrators were found. He stated that those who target Colombian lives should know there will be no impunity. Defender of the People Iris Marín criticized the attack, stating that it violated international humanitarian law. She noted that the attack resulted in one death and 11 injuries, including a severely wounded officer, and emphasized that humanitarian law aims to minimize harm, especially to civilians and property. The National Police and the Attorney General’s Office have initiated investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack and are working to identify those responsible. The president has scheduled a visit to the region as part of his itinerary, which includes attending the swearing-in ceremony of the National Electoral Council in Barranquilla before heading to Norte de Santander. In recent weeks, the government has conducted military operations targeting armed groups. The latest operation, known as Operation Azarías, has reportedly affected 27 members of the Carolina Ramírez structure, with 20 killed, five captured, and two minors recovered. The government maintains that these actions comply with legal standards and are aimed at combating narcoterrorism. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the potential involvement of minors in conflict areas. The Defender of the People reiterated that recruitment of children is prohibited under international humanitarian law and urged the government to take additional precautions to protect young lives during military operations. Organizations such as Save the Children have called for prior assessments to ensure the safety of minors in such scenarios. Authorities continue to investigate the attack and work toward identifying those responsible while ensuring compliance with legal and humanitarian principles.