BTN News: A peaceful evening in Cúcuta was shattered on Saturday, September 14, when a brazen sicario attack left three people dead and three others injured near the Santo Ángel School in the San Miguel neighborhood. Among the victims were a 14-year-old boy and his father, a Venezuelan national. This tragic event is just the latest in a series of violent incidents that have gripped the Colombian border city in recent days, sparking fear and outrage among its residents. Local authorities are now on high alert, vowing to capture those responsible for the growing wave of bloodshed.
Shooting Shocks Cúcuta: A Deadly Ambush Outside Santo Ángel School
The routine task of picking up children from school turned into a nightmare when a group of armed men opened fire outside the prestigious Santo Ángel School in Cúcuta. The victims included Luis Miguel Osorio Chacín, a Venezuelan citizen, his 14-year-old son, and a bodyguard identified as Ulises José Gelves de la Oz. The assailants ambushed them just as Osorio Chacín arrived to collect his daughter from a school event.
The attack, which occurred during an interclass activity at the school, was swift and ruthless. Within moments, the sound of gunfire filled the air, causing panic among students, parents, and bystanders. Two other minors and another bodyguard were seriously injured in the attack and were quickly taken to a local hospital for emergency care.
Authorities Respond with Anger and Determination
Following the attack, Cúcuta’s Mayor Jorge Acevedo expressed his outrage and grief over the tragic events. “We will capture these criminals; we will bring them to justice. Today, Cúcuta is filled with anger,” he stated, visibly moved. To support the investigation, the mayor announced a reward of up to 20 million pesos for any information leading to the capture of the assailants.
Initial investigations have revealed that the attackers’ vehicle was later found abandoned and set on fire on the outskirts of the city. Local residents, unaware of its connection to the shooting, managed to extinguish the flames before it was completely destroyed. Authorities recovered video footage from the vehicle, which they believe could provide critical leads in identifying those responsible for the violent act.
Series of Violent Attacks Raise Alarm Across the City
This latest sicario attack is not an isolated incident. In recent days, Cúcuta has seen a disturbing rise in violence, with minors frequently caught in the crossfire. Just two days earlier, an explosive device was thrown at a children’s party in the same San Miguel neighborhood, injuring several people, including children. That same day, a grenade was launched in Villa del Rosario, a nearby area, injuring at least one person.
The surge in violence has left Cúcuta’s residents living in fear and uncertainty. The Metropolitan Police of Cúcuta, along with the anti-explosive unit, are investigating these attacks, but so far, the motives remain unclear.
A City on Edge: Fear and Uncertainty in Cúcuta
As violence continues to escalate, many in Cúcuta are calling for more substantial action to ensure their safety. The community’s shock and anger are palpable, with growing calls for increased police presence and security measures across the city.
Local authorities, however, are grappling with the challenge of restoring order amid a wave of attacks that show no signs of abating. While investigations are underway, the city remains on high alert, with residents and officials alike questioning how much longer they must endure this relentless violence.
Seeking Justice and Safety in Uncertain Times
As the investigation into these attacks progresses, Cúcuta’s leaders are doubling down on efforts to restore peace. Mayor Acevedo’s strong words reflect the broader sentiment of a community that is tired of living in fear and demands justice for those caught in the crossfire.
For now, the city remains tense and vigilant, waiting for answers and hoping for a swift resolution that will bring the perpetrators to justice and restore a sense of normalcy to daily life.
