An intercepted radio communication transmitted by FARC leader German Briceño, alias “Grannobles” confirms that the guerrilla ordered “total war” against fellow Colombian rebel group the ELN.
In the intercepted communication Grannobles, the brother of FARC military commander “Mono Jojoy,” instructed the 10th and 45th FARC fronts to attack ELN bases, structures and collaborators, despite a supposed alliance between the two guerrilla organizations.
The FARC allege that the ELN assassinated one of their leaders, while the ELN say that the FARC attacked them, according to El Tiempo.
Combat between the two rebel groups is thought to have begun May 26. Nine guerrillas were reportedly killed in battle, along with three civilians caught in the crossfire, in Colombia’s eastern Arauca department, where Grannobles is believed to operate.
Arauca ombudsman Gloria Cuitiva said that 45 families have been displaced by fighting between the guerrillas.