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Colombia bombing injures 11 ahead of Presidential inauguration

August 01, 2026 / 8:08 PM
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Sharjah 24 – AFP: A truck laden with explosives detonated next to a police station in the Colombian border city of Cúcuta on Saturday, injuring at least 11 people just six days ahead of the presidential inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.

Local authorities confirmed that the wounded include eight police officers and three civilians. The powerful blast damaged surrounding structures and engulfed the vehicle in flames.

President-elect condemns attack

Strongly condemning the bombing, President-elect de la Espriella asserted that terrorism will not intimidate the nation. In response, officials have issued a reward exceeding $32,000 for information identifying those behind the attack.

The conservative leader is scheduled to take office on August 7, succeeding outgoing President Gustavo Petro.

Security tightened ahead of inauguration

The bombing has triggered heightened security measures ahead of the upcoming swearing-in ceremony, which has been relocated from its traditional venue in Bogotá to Cali. Authorities plan to deploy roughly 11,000 soldiers and police officers to secure the event.

De la Espriella has promised a heavy crackdown on guerrilla and drug trafficking organizations, alongside proposals for deepened military cooperation with the United States and Israel. His electoral victory followed a campaign shadowed by rising political violence and ongoing armed conflict in the country.

 

August 01, 2026 / 8:08 PM

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