Free Republic

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,...

Colombia Farc chief 'may be dead' Marulanda has led the Farc since it was formed 44 years ago The Colombian government is investigating a report that the leader of the Farc rebel group is dead, the defence minister has said. Juan Manuel Santos told Semana magazine that Manuel "Sureshot" Marulanda may have died on 26 March, citing "a source who has never failed us". The top rebel commander's death has been rumoured and later disproved several times in the past. Correspondents say if confirmed the death would be a big blow to the Farc. Marulanda, whose real name is...

The leader of the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) has cancer and will die within six months, according to a noted local journalist. Pedro Marin, alias Manuel Marulanda, has led the Farc for over 50 years. Respected Colombian journalist Patricia Lara said the 73-year-old had terminal prostate cancer, citing "very reliable sources" close to the Farc. The news has prompted speculation about who will succeed him, and how it will affect the 40-year civil conflict. Ms Lara - former editor-in-chief of the weekly Cambio magazine - said the leader had been very sick for several months and sought...