Los Patios police station car bomb attack kills one and injures 11

car bomb attack ELN guerrilla Norte de Santander Los Patios Colombian security

On the night of August 31, 2026, a car bomb attack targeted a police station in Los Patios, Norte de Santander, near the Colombian-Venezuelan border. The explosion, involving a taxi loaded with approximately 80 kilograms of explosives, resulted in the death of one person, identified as Venezuelan national Jhon Endry Sandoval Sepúlveda, and left 11 others injured, including two police officers. The blast caused significant damage to the station, local businesses, and residential properties, and temporarily cut off electricity in the area.

The ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) has claimed responsibility for the attack through a communiqué, stating the operation was carried out by an urban command. The group criticized the administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, alleging that his government has closed the possibility of a negotiated political solution to the conflict.

In response, President De la Espriella announced a military offensive to combat armed groups in the region. Additionally, Colombian authorities reported thwarting a second potential terrorist action in the rural area of Cúcuta after discovering a stolen vehicle containing explosives. In a separate operation in Charta, Santander, the military seized 250 kilograms of explosives belonging to the ELN's Northeastern War Front.

Entities

Abelardo De La Espriella · Attorney General's Office of Colombia · Cúcuta · Cúcuta Metropolitan Police · ELN · Jhon Endry Sandoval Sepúlveda · Los Patios · Norte de Santander

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Authorities thwarted a second car bomb attempt in the Cúcuta area. www.moncloa.com · www.radiosantafe.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The explosion caused significant damage to local infrastructure and businesses. www.eje21.com.co · codigoqro.mx · www.moncloa.com
[● 7 SOURCES] The vehicle used in the attack contained approximately 80 kilograms of explosives. codigoqro.mx · www.moncloa.com · www.14ymedio.com · www.boyacadigital.com · www.eje21.com.co · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Colombian government is offering rewards for information on suspected ELN leaders.
[● 7 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella announced a military offensive against armed groups. codigoqro.mx · www.moncloa.com · www.14ymedio.com · www.radiosantafe.com · www.ultimahora.com
[● 12 SOURCES] The ELN is the suspected perpetrator of the car bomb attack. sanluishoy.com.mx · www.eje21.com.co · codigoqro.mx · www.moncloa.com · www.14ymedio.com · +5 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The attack occurred in Los Patios, Norte de Santander. sanluishoy.com.mx · www.eje21.com.co · codigoqro.mx · www.moncloa.com · www.14ymedio.com · +8 more
[● 14 SOURCES] One person died and 11 people were injured in the explosion. sanluishoy.com.mx · www.eje21.com.co · codigoqro.mx · www.moncloa.com · www.14ymedio.com · +7 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The deceased victim was a Venezuelan national named Jhon Endry Sandoval Sepúlveda. elclarinweb.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The ELN claimed responsibility for the attack via a communiqué. lapatilla.com · www.colombia.com