“Danilo Garcia,” leader of the 33rd Front of the FARC guerrilla organization was killed in a bombing raid by the Colombian Air Force, according to reports on Wednesday.
The operation in conjunction with the National Police resulted in the death of Jose Epimenio Molina, alias Danilo Garcia, in Catatumbo of the northern Santander department, reported military portal webinfomil.
A reward of $440k had been offered for the top guerrilla leader considered to be a close confidante of supreme leader of the FARC, Timochenko.
There were nine arrest warrants against Danilo Garcia for crimes of kidnapping, rebellion, conspiracy racketeering and theft, and he is one of the 50 FARC members that are on an extradition list to the U.S.
Danilo Garcia is reportedly responsible for over 70% of the terrorist acts against civilians, security forces, infrastructure, oil and electricity in the Catatumbo region.
The authorities had been collecting intelligence for 20 months to dismantle the organization during which it was reported at least 10 guerrillas were left dead, including Danilo Garcia and his girlfriend.
The FARC leader was reportedly in the ranks of the guerrillas for 37 years where most recently he was commander of the 20th and 33rd Fronts.
During the operation authorities found important material such as documents showing networks that support the front, including people in the northern city of Cucuta, public officials and politicians of the region.