Cúcuta, Colombia – A police patrol in Cúcuta was ambushed with rifle fire on Wednesday evening, resulting in the death of a subintendent and injuries to a major, as well as a civilian woman. The attack, which occurred near the Anillo Vial Oriental, has prompted a security operation in the area as authorities investigate the incident and search for those responsible.
The deceased officer has been identified as Luis Jesús Sarmiento, a 38-year-classic subintendent originally from Bucaramanga. According to preliminary reports, the patrol was targeted by multiple gunmen who opened fire with rifles while the officers were conducting routine checks in the area. The attack left the patrol vehicle heavily damaged and a woman who was passing by on a motorcycle injured after being struck by the vehicle.
Major Álvaro Salcedo was also seriously wounded in the attack and is currently receiving medical attention. The injured civilian was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have deployed a security plan, dubbed “Plan Candado,” to reinforce security in the capital of Norte de Santander and apprehend the perpetrators.
Initial investigations suggest the attack was carried out by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), specifically a group led by an individual known as “alias Coqui,” according to Colonel Libardo Ojeda, commander of the Cúcuta Metropolitan Police. Noticias Caracol reports that the ELN group had been waiting for the patrol to pass before initiating the attack.
The incident unfolded as the officers were traveling along the Anillo Vial Oriental, between El Escobal and the prison roundabout. The attackers reportedly emerged from a wooded area and unleashed a barrage of gunfire on the police vehicle. Caracol Radio details that the patrol lost control after being hit, leading to the collision with the motorcyclist.
Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack and working to determine the full extent of the ELN’s involvement. The area near the Anillo Vial Oriental is known to be close to the Colombian-Venezuelan border, a region where the ELN has a significant presence. Alerta.com.co reports that the ELN has been active in this zone.
The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the Cúcuta region. The police have increased their presence and are conducting thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in the area.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released further details regarding potential suspects or motives. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
What comes next will likely involve increased military and police presence in the border region, as well as continued efforts to dismantle ELN operations. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in understanding the evolving security landscape in Cúcuta and the surrounding areas.
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