started · updated
Cúcuta militarized by Colombian government following wave of violence
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered the temporary militarization of Cúcuta, the capital of Norte de Santander, in response to a surge in violence and terrorist attacks. The decision follows the assassination of Miguel Castellanos Serrano, a former government secretary and mayoral candidate, and an explosive device detonation in the El Escobal sector that injured at least four police officers.
To reinforce security, more than 300 soldiers have arrived in the city to conduct joint patrols with the National Police. Starting November 3, the government will launch the Esparta campaign and the Urban Security Operational Block (BOSUR) to intensify operations against criminal and terrorist structures. This marks the second time De la Espriella has militarized a city, following Santa Marta in September.
The security crisis is compounded by the increasing use of explosive drones by the ELN, which reportedly rose from 36 national attacks in 2025 to 143 by late October 2026. While some residents express support for the military presence, local businesses have voiced concerns regarding the potential economic impact on border trade with Venezuela. Táchira Governor Freddy Bernal has also advised Venezuelan citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to the Norte de Santander region due to the instability.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Colombian National Army · Cúcuta · ELN · Ejército Nacional de Colombia · Freddy Bernal · Miguel Castellanos · Miguel Castellanos Serrano · Norte de Santander · Táchira
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Esparta campaign and the Urban Security Operational Block (BOSUR) will begin operations on November 3. contrapodernews.com · www.elpaisvallenato.com · noticiasargentinas.com · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [● 9 SOURCES] Miguel Castellanos Serrano, a former government secretary and mayoral candidate, was assassinated. elsolnewsmedia.com · notiapure.com.ve · www.notitarde.com.ve · paragrafo.co · www.elpaisvallenato.com · +3 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] An explosive device detonated in the El Escobal sector, injuring at least four police officers. elsolnewsmedia.com · notiapure.com.ve · www.notitarde.com.ve · contrapodernews.com · www.areacucuta.com · +3 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ELN has increased its use of explosive drones nationally from 36 in 2025 to 143 by October 29, 2026.
- [● 4 SOURCES] More than 300 soldiers have arrived in Cúcuta to reinforce security. www.eje21.com.co · elsolnewsmedia.com · www.laverdadpa.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Freddy Bernal, Governor of Táchira, recommended that Venezuelans avoid unnecessary travel to Norte de Santander. notiapure.com.ve · www.notitarde.com.ve · caraotadigital.net
- [● 10 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the temporary militarization of Cúcuta. elsolnewsmedia.com · contrapodernews.com · www.areacucuta.com · www.elpaisvallenato.com · noticiasargentinas.com · +4 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Attacks against the public force in Norte de Santander decreased by 15.8 percent between January and September 2026 compared to 2025.