Explosive attacks in Colombia during presidential transition

Colombia has experienced a series of explosive incidents leading up to the August 7, 2026, inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.

On August 1, a truck bomb detonated near a police command in Cúcuta, causing multiple secondary blasts and gunfire. The attack injured between 11 and 14 people, including police officers and civilians, and damaged nearby commercial buildings. The Colombian government attributed the attack to members of the ELN and offered monetary rewards for the capture of the suspects.

On August 6, authorities intercepted a bus near Cali containing approximately 420 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and seven launch ramps. Investigators linked the vehicle to FARC commander Jaime “Mad Max” Martínez, prompting a government bounty for his arrest. In response to these threats, security has been significantly bolstered, with over 11,000 law enforcement officials deployed for the presidential inauguration.