Posted on 05/24/2008 8:45:54 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Colombia has officially announced the death of Manuel "Sureshot" Marulanda, the commander of Latin America's largest armed group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
David Moreno, an admiral in the Colombian navy, confirmed in Bogota on Saturday previous statements by senior officials suggesting that Marulanda was no longer alive.
Juan Manuel Santos, Colombia's defence minister, had told Semana magazine that Marulanda, Farc's leader for four decades and believed to be about 80 years old, may have died on March 26, citing "a source who has never failed us".
He said quoting "guerrillas" that Marulanda died of a heart attack, but noted that three bombing raids targeted him on that date.
'Incredible victory'
Mariana Sanchez, Al Jazeera's correspondent, said: "The Colombian government has been claiming a series of victories against Farc in the past few months.
"The army has also been pushing Farc into the jungle in its campaign.
If Marulanda has died, however he died, it would be an incredible victory for Colombia's government."
Colombia's government has announced Marulanda's death on many occasions over the past 15 years, but each time proof that he was alive cropped up months later. Santos also said Marulanda may have been replaced as Farc leader by Alfonso Cano.
The Colombian army said Cano has been cornered in the southwestern jungle for months, and that his death or capture is imminent.
But Farc statements have denied that Cano is in that area.
Peasant background
Born to a peasant family, Marulanda, whose real name is Pedro Antonio Marin, is believed to have been radicalised by the civil wars that raged in Colombia in the middle of the twentieth century.
He and other survivors of a 1964 army attack on a peasant community escaped to the mountains and formed Farc, which grew over the decades to include a reputed 15,000 fighters.
Marulanda's deadly aim in combat against the army earned him the name "Sureshot".
Famously reclusive, he is said to have never set foot in Colombia's capital, giving just a handful of interviews over the course of his life.
Farc has suffered a number of blows this year, including the killing of its chief spokesman, Paul Reyes, a senior commander, and the defection of a highly regarded female leader in the group.
In recent years, Farc has been driven into remote jungle and mountain areas, but remains a potent force in some areas, bolstered by funds earned from cocaine smuggling.
Under pressure
Backed by billions in US military aid, the government of Alvaro Uribe, the Colombian president, has sent troops to retake areas once under Farc's control.
Attempts to negotiate the release of hostages held by Farc, including French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans, are deadlocked over demands made by Farc that Uribe demilitarise a rural zone for negotiations.
After the official claims that Marulanda was dead, Uribe said in a speech in the country's southwest that his government had "received calls from Farc" in which some of the leaders "announced their decision to leave Farc and hand over Betancourt if their freedom was guaranteed".
Uribe said: "The government's answer is 'yes, they are guaranteed freedom'."
He said those Farc leaders who free the captives could be turned over to authorities from "France, so that they enjoy that freedom there".
Uribe also touted the government's offer to reward fighters up to a total of $100 million when they turn themselves in alongside one or more hostages.
I bet quite a few ‘RATS are sad in DC!
I’d have a heart attack if three bombing raids were aimed at me on the same day.
Congratulations to the good guys in Colombia!
That was my first thought, that the ‘rats are in mourning. Their heros, the FARC Marxist narco-terrorists, are losing. Boo-hoo!
Harry Reid and Hugo Chavez are deeply saddened.
I’d hate even worst to have 1,000 Colombian “Jungla” commandos chasing me in the jungle 24/7/365.
Huzzah and thre cheers for Columbia! Thanks, lads, for taking out the trash.
He was the leader for 40 years and may have died of a heart attack at 80. It’s like osama bin laden. In about 40 years, he may die of heart attack when he reaches 80.
Queen Nan and Dingy Harry are sorry Hugo has lost another buddy.
Seems like our CIA diplomacy advice is paying off down there.
I guess the saying "You can run, but you will only die tired" applies here.
#11 removed because of the IHT’s excerpting requirement.
Good lord, it’s about time they send that poor woman home....
Nancy Pelosi is deeply saddened at this tragic loss of life...
I believe Hugo’s goal is to re-establish what was known as “Gran Colombia,” a state encompassing what are now Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and one or two more countries. Of course, Hugo has an idea as to who should be in charge.
His ultimate goal may be to take over Panama and the canal. Then he could grip international trade in a stranglehold.
“Sureshot” now “Sureisshot”
Mariana Sanchez, Al Jazeera’s correspondent...!
Who would possibly fill the void left by FARC I wonder?
Who would possibly want to fill the void left by FARC I wonder?
Who is sure to fill...!
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