Colombia’s Defense Ministry on Monday said the army had killed a FARC ringleader in combat in the northeastern department of Arauca.
The killed guerrilla has been identified as “Antonio Pescador” and was the commander of the rebel group’s 45th Front, a Defense Ministry spokesman told Colombia Reports.
President Juan Manuel Santos congratulated the army for the new blow to the country’s largest guerrilla group through his twitter account.
FFAA a la ofensiva: felicitaciones @Col_Ejercito por baja de “Antonio Pescador”, cabecilla frente 45 de Farc. Así construimos un país seguro
— Juan Manuel Santos (@JuanManSantos) June 24, 2013
In Sunday’s military operation in the municipality of Tame, three people died. In addition to Antonio Pescador, alleged guerrilla members “Marcos” and “Sofia” were killed.
Additionally, four women and one man were arrested in the operation.
Antonio Pescador is believed to have been a member of FARC for more than 30 years. The guerrilla leader was allegedly responsible for the finances of the FARC along the Venezuelan border.
According to the local army commander, Sergio Mantilla, the operation had been planned for over one year and was conducted without help from the neighboring country.
Tame, Arauca
Sources
- Interview with Defense Ministry
- Cae ‘Antonio Pescador’, jefe de las Farc en Arauca (El Tiempo)
- Abatido en combate alias ‘Antonio Pescador’ (RCN Radio)
- Ejército dio de baja al cabecilla del frente 45 de las Farc alias “Antonio Pescador” (Santa Fe Radio)