At least 11 wounded by Colombia car bomb days before presidential election

Key Points:

• A car bombing in the Colombian city of Cucuta wounded at least 11 people, including eight police officers and three civilians, occurring just six days before right-wing President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella takes office.
• No group has claimed responsibility, but active rebel factions such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), dissident FARC groups, and the criminal Clan del Golfo operate in the region.
• De la Espriella condemned the attack and vowed that terrorism will not undermine Colombia’s resolve to live in peace and security, signaling his intent to crack down on rebel and criminal groups tied to the cocaine trade.
• His election marks a shift from outgoing left-wing President Gustavo Petro’s peace-through-dialogue approach to a more militaristic stance aligned with former US President Donald Trump’s policies, including plans to shoot down drug planes and sink drug boats.
• Due to security concerns and an alleged assassination plot, de la Espriella will be sworn in at Bogota’s City Hall with heavy military and police presence, rather than at a military garrison as initially planned.