An explosives attack near a bridge on Colombia's border with Venezuela injured at least four police officers in the city of Cucuta on Tuesday, officials reported. Norte de Santander provincial Governor William Villamizar stated that authorities are investigating the perpetrators of the explosion.
The blast occurred in front of the local office of Colombia's tax collection agency, situated near the Francisco de Paula de Santander International bridge. Images from the scene revealed damage to a truck and several motorcycles.
This incident follows a recent shift in Colombia's security posture under President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration, which has adopted a more confrontational stance towards criminal groups. Since taking office in August, President De la Espriella has canceled peace talks with remaining rebel groups, citing a lack of progress and instances where armed factions have exploited ceasefires to strengthen their influence in rural areas. His government has also reinstated joint task forces focused on protecting oil pipelines and intends to resume aerial spraying of coca fields with herbicides, a practice halted in 2015 due to health concerns.
Earlier on Tuesday, De la Espriella oversaw an operation in Medellin targeting gangs, resulting in the apprehension of 135 individuals suspected of drug and human trafficking. Video released by his office showed the president addressing some of the captured suspects, stating, "The party is over. You will see how hard the Tiger bites."
Critics have voiced concerns that these law enforcement operations are primarily for public relations and have questioned the armed forces' ability to disarm rebel groups through force alone, without subsequent negotiations.
In Cucuta, authorities are also investigating the assassination of a former deputy mayor, who was killed Monday night. In September, an attack on another police station in the border city resulted in one civilian death and eleven injuries.