The night of February 19 was terrifying in the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, Norte de Santander. Three explosions with explosive devices shook the region, causing infrastructure damage, injuries, and widespread uncertainty.
A Car Bomb Destroyed a Key Toll Booth
🚨 #Video | Explosion at the Villa del Rosario Toll Booth
Moments of tension were experienced at the Villa del Rosario toll booth, on the border between #Colombia and #Venezuela, after a strong explosion was reported in the area.
⚠️ Authorities are investigating the incident and assessing the damage… pic.twitter.com/9OirM6yuUx
— El Venezolano Colombia (@ElVenezolanoCo) February 20, 2025
One of the most shocking attacks occurred at the Villa del Rosario toll booth, a key point connecting Cúcuta with the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, the main route between Colombia and Venezuela.
According to authorities, a car bomb exploded at this toll booth, located on the International Highway. The explosion destroyed the toll booth connecting Cúcuta with San Antonio del Táchira, causing significant material losses.
Terrorism in Cúcuta. pic.twitter.com/VPtNH0jyxQ
— Reserva Anti Petrista (@RPetrista64252) February 20, 2025
Reward for Information on the Perpetrators
The Security Secretary of Norte de Santander, George Quintero, announced that the government will offer up to 100 million pesos to anyone providing information leading to the capture of those responsible.
“The Departmental Health Institute reported that six people were taken to medical centers following the explosive attack at the Villa del Rosario toll booth. The injured individuals are toll booth workers who, for now, are out of danger,” explained George Quintero.
Who Is Behind the Attacks?
Initial investigations suggest that the ELN (National Liberation Army) might be responsible for these attacks, as this group operates in the area. However, authorities are not ruling out the involvement of other illegal groups.
The Ministry of Transport condemned the incident and issued a statement on social media:
“We condemn the violent acts against toll workers, the community, users, and the country’s infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, the National Roads Institute (Invías) is already working on clearing the area to reopen traffic on the International Highway.
Attacks on a Police Station and a CAI
That same night, an explosive attack targeted an Immediate Attention Command (CAI) in the Villa Antigua sector, in the municipality of Villa del Rosario. The attackers detonated at least two explosives and fired rifle rounds at the police officers on site.
Another attack occurred in the La Parada district, where explosives were used to target a police station still under construction, which was set to be inaugurated in the coming months.
Ongoing Investigations
To identify those responsible, the government announced they are reviewing security cameras and collecting testimonies. Evidence suggests these attacks were coordinated and executed simultaneously as part of a terrorist plan.
These events occurred while Norte de Santander Governor William Villamizar was attending the Governors’ Summit in Villa de Leyva (Boyacá). During the event, Villamizar urged the national government to reinforce the armed forces to prevent the advancement of illegal armed groups in the region.
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