At Least 23 FARC Dissidents Killed In Colombia Military Operation
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published February 25, 2022 | 08:40 AM
Bogota, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Feb, 2022 ) :At least 23 dissidents of the former FARC guerrilla group were killed during an operation by the Colombian armed forces along the Venezuelan border, the Defense Ministry said Thursday.
The dissidents "died during military operations" carried out in the northern border department of Arauca, a narcotrafficking corridor that has seen fierce fighting between armed groups since the beginning of the year, a source in the ministry told AFP.
Among the dead was a former leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), known as "Arturo." Five dissidents were additionally injured, the source said.
"This operation forcefully dismantles the FARC dissident structure," said Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano, in a video published to social media.
Colombia signed a peace agreement in 2016 with the FARC to end a decades-long battle, but some dissident members of the group have chosen not to recognize it.
The defense minister said Arturo "took refuge in Venezuela and from there sought to reactivate the dissident groups to continue committing crimes." Former FARC dissidents, as well as members of Columbia's last active guerilla group known as the ELN, have set up bases in Venezuela, where Colombian authorities say they receive government backing -- an accusation Caracas denies.
Another rebel group leader known as "Ernesto" was also killed in the operation, which adds to a recent string of successful military offensives.
Last month, the president announced the "neutralization" of the rebel group leader known as "Jhonier," while in October of last year the drug kingpin known as "Otoniel" was captured.
He is now awaiting extradition to the United States.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Foreign firm brings 200MW solar energy to Pakistan
Deputy PM arrives in Beijing, China
PCB Chairman Naqvi meets Irish counterpart Brian Mac Neice
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 13 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 13 May 2024
DP World ILT20 Season 3 to begin from 11 January 2025
Sharjah Public Library unveils interactive arts and crafts journey at SCRF 2024
"Wonder Walks” show makes an enthralling debut at SCRF 2024
Remarkable Young Minds Light up the Stage at Sharjah Children’s Reading
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 12 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 12 May 2024
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's visit schedule being discussed
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Japanese singer performed Pakistani, Japanese, English songs at NAPA
17 hours ago -
Conducive environment for investors to stimulate sustainable growth
1 day ago -
Initiatives urged to facilitate people in getting access to quality healthcare services
1 day ago -
Hunza-The sleeping beauty
1 day ago -
Collective efforts vital to eradicate drugs addiction
3 days ago -
Concerted efforts urged to ease traffic flow on city roads
8 days ago
-
Land degradation: A threat to food security
8 days ago -
Revamping health sector, a gigantic task ahead
8 days ago -
American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions
9 days ago -
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
10 days ago -
Experts for ending child labour
12 days ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
12 days ago