Colombia deploys 324 extra troops to border city Cúcuta

President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the immediate and temporary militarization of Cúcuta on Thursday. The directive aims to stabilize public order in the northeastern city, which sits on the porous border with Venezuela. The order came after at least two violent incidents shook the city this week.

On Friday, the streets of Cúcuta showed the presence of urban special forces soldiers carrying long guns. These troops accompanied police officers at traffic checkpoints. The Air Force also conducted aerial surveillance. Army Commander Major General José Soto Sánchez confirmed these deployments on X.

The city hall announced that the military presence will increase in the coming days. An additional 324 soldiers and 150 police officers will arrive to reinforce the operations. The temporary measure is in place until authorities declare the public order stable.

The violence that prompted the military intervention includes the murder of Miguel Castellanos, the former secretary of government for Cúcuta. Castellanos was shot at a gas station on Monday. Authorities are still investigating the motive and the responsible parties. The second incident occurred on Tuesday when an explosive device detonated near the international bridge connecting Cúcuta to Ureña, Venezuela. Four police officers were injured in the blast. Officials suspect the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, carried out the attack, though the group has not claimed responsibility.

Gerson Arias, an analyst at the Ideas for the Peace Foundation, noted that the conflict dynamics from the Catatumbo region are now shifting into Cúcuta. He explained that the ELN and a faction of FARC dissidents use about 20 local criminal bands to attack each other. This confrontation began in January 2025 over control of coca crops. The fighting has left more than 100 people dead and displaced over 56,000 residents.

Mayor Jorge Enrique Acevedo asked on Friday for Venezuela to join the Shield of the Americas. This is a US-led alliance designed to combat drug trafficking. Acevedo said including Venezuela would strengthen cross-border collaboration and prevent criminal structures from hiding across the border. President De la Espriella stated that the military action is necessary to guarantee security and sovereignty in the border city. He did not mention coordination with Venezuela in his remarks.