Colombia militarizes Cúcuta after explosive attack on border

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the temporary and immediate militarization of Cúcuta after an explosive attack near the Francisco de Paula Santander international bridge, according to Infobae. The blast, which occurred in the El Escobal sector, left eight people injured, including four civilians and four police officers.

The measure seeks to restore public order in the capital of Norte de Santander and protect the border area, a key point for trade and the movement of goods between Colombia and Venezuela. Security disruptions in this area tend to directly affect local economic activity and bilateral trade.

The national government ordered new security deployments to take effect from next Tuesday, including the activation of the special 'Esparta' blocs and the Urban Security Operational Unit (Bosur). Local authorities confirmed that the injured officers are under medical observation with no serious injuries.

As part of the investigation, the municipal mayor's office offered a reward of 50 million pesos for information leading to those responsible for the attack. Authorities preliminarily attribute the attack to structures linked to the National Liberation Army (ELN).