The Colombian army on Wednesday said to have discovered a FARC weapons factory with the capacity of producing some 200 mortars per month.
The clandestine factory was found in Suarez, a rural municipality in the Cauca department where the FARC exercise strong control because of its strategic location for drug trafficking.
According to the National Army, the factory had the capacity of producing 200 mortars a month. At the time of the raid, 198 mortar shells were found.
The clandestine factory allegedly belonged to the FARC’s Manuel Cepeda Front, an elite fighters unit that is active in the region.
The FARC are currently involved in peace talks with the government to seek a negotiated end to the guerrillas’ war against the state. However, the government has refused a ceasefire and the FARC continues to carry out attacks primarily against the military, and Colombia’s oil and mining industry.
Suarez, Cauca
Sources
- Fábrica de explosivos fue desmantela en el municipio de Suárez (Colombian army)