Colombian President Alvaro Uribe says security forces have foiled a plan by FARC rebels to assassinate the country's defense chief. If you can't beat 'em, assassinate 'em.
Ten FARC soldiers disguised in police uniforms had planned to kill Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos and his family, Uribe said Thursday during a televised address. Police Director Oscar Naranjo said eight FARC soldiers were captured some 90 km (55 miles) outside Bogota, the capital near the minister's home. Officials did not reveal where the other two alleged assassins were detained.
"Ungh! What hit me? Where am I?"
"Shuddup.[THUMP]!"
"Ungh! What hit me? Where am I? Who're you?"
"Shuddup.[THUMP]!"
"Ungh! What hit me? Where am I? Who're you? Who am I?"
"Into the paddy wagon wit' yez!"
Uribe congratulated those involved in the operation saying, "This investigation had been proceeding for several months, and fortunately the National Police has dealt this well-placed blow."
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has been fighting the government since 1960's over the distribution of wealth in the country.
The rebels regularly attack government officials and troops. In the latest of such incidents the leftist group attacked an elite counter-guerrilla unit in the country's southeastern jungle, killing four soldiers.
So far 74 Colombian soldiers have been killed in fighting with Marxist guerrillas in 2009, according to the Defense Ministry. The police's share of the toll stands at 28.
Meanwhile, Colombia braces for serious FARC attacks this week as the rebel groups marked the anniversary of the death of its founding commander, Manuel Marulanda.
FARC has about 9,000 to 12,000 armed soldiers and several thousand supporters, operating mostly in Colombia.