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Colombian Rebel Killed in Army Shootout
A rebel suspected of killing a Japanese hostage last year died in a shootout with the Colombian army outside the capital Friday, the army said.
Well, fair's fair...
The rebel, identified only by his nom de guerre "Jeremias," is a divisional commander of the nation’s largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, said army Gen. Hernando Ortiz. Chikao Muramatsu, an executive with auto parts maker Yazaki Corp., was killed Nov. 24 after being held hostage by the FARC for more than 2 1/2 years. Jeremias is said to be the rebel who shot Muramatsu multiple times.
Columbians did us all a service, then.
Jeremias’ death means his FARC division in the central state of Cundinamarca, known as the 22nd Front, "has been almost entirely dismantled," Ortiz said. Cundinamarca is just outside Bogota.
Columbians seems to have nailed several FARC biggies lately. Wonder if Hector the Weasel has been talking?
Military operations against Jeremias’ forces intensified last year after the Japanese government asked President Alvaro Uribe to personally ensure that those responsible for Muramatsu’s death were brought to justice.
Refreshing to see a government stick up for its citizens abroad. Take note, Canada.
Jeremias and another FARC rebel died in a rural area outside the town of Villeta, 30 miles west of Bogota, the army said. Information from area residents led army troops to the rebels’ whereabouts.
"Muchos gracias, Hector."
"Si, el Jefe, por favor no me mate!"
Posted by: Steve White 2004-01-10
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=24087