Colombian President Declares Cúcuta Temporary Military Zone to Contain Violence and Assassinations

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the city of Cúcuta, on the border with Venezuela, to be considered a temporary military zone due to a wave of violence and assassinations.

Cúcuta, located in northeastern Colombia where rebel groups and criminal gangs are active, witnessed the assassination of a mayoral election candidate and an explosion that injured four police officers in recent days, according to local government announcements.

The Colombian president ordered "Cúcuta to be considered a military zone immediately," clarifying that this measure "will be temporary until we restore public order."

Police and army units will be deployed in Cúcuta, which has become the second city where De la Espriella has implemented measures at this level since taking office on August 7.