The Colombian Army found an
antipersonnel mine factory operated by guerrillas in the northeastern
region of Arauca, seizing a half ton of explosives and a number of
devices, authorities said Sunday.
Troops occupied the factory Saturday in the rural area of La Holanda, some 350 kilometers north of Bogota.
The factory allegedly belonged to the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the largest rebel group
in the country. Some 124 “improvised explosive devices,” 450 kilograms
of explosives and 150 kilograms of shrapnel were found, Army sources
said.
A total of 470 electrical detonators, 1,200 meters of explosive cord and six communication kits were also seized.
Antipersonnel mines or similar
devices are forbidden by an international treaty because their enormous
destructive power can cause heavy civilian casualties. (Xinhua)