President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that the Colombian National Army thwarted a suspected car bomb attack by the ELN guerrilla in Cúcuta, preventing casualties. ^[1] Mayor Jorge Acevedo of Cúcuta released a video statement on September 2, 2026, explaining his absence from a security council meeting with President Abelardo de la Espriella. ^[2] A car bomb exploded in Los Patios, Norte de Santander, injuring several police officers and causing significant material damage to the police station and surrounding areas. ^[3] On the night of the announcement, troops of the National Army located a stolen vehicle in Agua Clara, a rural zone of Cúcuta, which tested positive for explosives after being verified by a specialized canine. ^[4] President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that the ELN guerrilla is responsible for the recent attacks and the thwarted attempt in Cúcuta. ^[5] Mayor Jorge Acevedo stated that his administration did not have information about the meeting and that their security secretary was sent only ten minutes before the council began. ^[6] The extraordinary security council meeting was led by President Abelardo de la Espriella in Cúcuta following an attack on the Los Patios Police Station. ^[7] Mayor Jorge Acevedo apologized for his absence and noted that the mayor of Villa del Rosario was also not informed about the event. ^[8]