After attacks in Cúcuta and Popayán: What is known about the injured, damages and losses in the community?

Explosions in Popayán and Cúcuta left injured and material damage, while armed harassment in convention generated panic; The authorities investigate possible links with the ELN.

The recent attacks in Cúcuta and Popayán have generated a deep concern in Colombia. New details arise after the recent attacks: in addition to material damages and injured people, the authorities investigate the possible relationship of these facts, while the community remains alert to the escalation of violence.

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Explosions in Popayán

On the night of February 19, 2025, Popayán was the scene of two explosions that altered the tranquility of its inhabitants.

• First explosion: It happened at approximately 9:40 pm in the immediate vicinity of the Laura Valencia jailer, located in the historic center of the city. This transitional detention center suffered significant material damage.
• Second explosion: Ten minutes later, a second detonation was recorded near an immediate care center (CAI) of the Police, at the intersection of the 9th race with 1st Street. Although no victims were reported, the police infrastructure was affected.

Preliminary investigations suggest that explosive artifacts were launched from drones, a tactic that has lit the alarms between local authorities. Popayán Metropolitan Police commander, Colonel Jhon Fredy Zambrano, reported that the anti -explosive group was deployed in the area to ensure the area and prevent possible additional threats.

The official statement of the mayor of Popayán indicated the following:

“Fortunately, no injured people were reported, only material damage to the infrastructure of the place. We call the community to keep calm. ”

Although there were no injuries, the explosion generated alarm in the community, especially among the residents of the sector. Some citizens denounced the loss of their pets, mainly cats, who fled due to the rumble. In addition, damage to nearby homes were reported due to the expansive wave.

Attacks in Cúcuta and its surroundings

Between the night of February 19 and the early morning of February 20, 2025, Cúcuta and its metropolitan area were the scene of a series of coordinated attacks that left multiple injured and damage to key infrastructure.

• Attack to the CAI of Villa Antigu . Although no injuries were reported, the structure suffered considerable damage.

• Explosion in the toll of the stop: at 11:00 pm, an explosion shook the toll of the stop, also in Villa del Rosario, resulting in at least six injured people who were transferred to local medical centers.

• Detonation in the CAI of the San Rafael neighborhood: Around 6:00 am on February 20, another explosion affected the CAI of the San Rafael neighborhood in Cúcuta. Although there were no victims, the police installation was partially destroyed.

Who are responsible?

Although no group has officially claimed these attacks, the authorities suspect the participation of the National Liberation Army (ELN), due to their activity history in the Catatumbo region. Currently, the area faces a humanitarian crisis that has left more than 50,000 displaced and at least 63 dead in the last month, according to data from the Ministry of Defense.

Security measures in Cúcuta

In response to these facts, the mayor of Cúcuta, Jorge Acevedo, announced a touch of 48 hours throughout the metropolitan area, with the aim of controlling the situation and preventing new attacks. In addition, state security institutions have reinforced their presence in strategic points, while investigations are being carried out to identify those responsible.

On February 18, 2025, in the municipality of Convention, approximately 20 armed men harassed the police while a school parade was developed. This attack generated panic among attendees, especially among participating children. Fortunately, no victims were registered, but the incident left the community in a state of shock.

These attacks occur in a context of growing tension in the region. In January 2025, the Colombian Government decreed the internal shock in the Catatumbo region and the Cúcuta metropolitan area due to the serious alteration of public order, the result of clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and Dissidences of the FARC. These conflicts have left at least 60 dead and have displaced about 40,000 people.

In both cases, the authorities continue investigations to identify those responsible. The National Police and the Army have intensified control operations in the affected areas, while local governments have reinforced security measures to prevent new attacks.

In Cúcuta and Popayán, the community expects the authorities to restore tranquility, while maintaining the alert to the possibility of new violent facts.