By R. Renee Yaworsky
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America
BOGOTA, Colombia—The top-ranking leader of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) has announced that the paramilitary group will become more persistent in the year ahead, increasing its activities. The FARC is known for guerrilla-style violence throughout Colombia, and many Colombians live in fear of the organization’s notorious operations.
Alfonso Cano, the FARC’s number one man, released a New Year’s video on Friday containing statements about the group’s activities. The video was uploaded on YouTube and also the website of a Swedish news agency called Anncol. Anncol has been known as a conduit for FARC messages in the past.
Cano’s video included an ominous promise: “In 2011, we’ll redouble our activities in every sense, [drawing on] our convictions, the care that comes with experience and the valor of all our fallen fighters.” In the 12-minute long video, Cano went on to ask legislators to focus on laws that would return land stolen from farmers by paramilitaries and pay reparations to those who have suffered under Colombia’s numerous internal clashes. Cano is seen in front of the camera reading his words off an out-of-date Macbook Pro laptop. The FARC leader opined that if issues like these were taken “seriously” by lawmakers, it would be a step towards “solving the conflict” that has been rampant in Colombia.
Cano inherited the top position in 2008 when the FARC’s founder, Manuel “Sureshot” Marulanda, died of natural causes. In Friday’s video, Cano vowed to “fight for a political solution to the conflict,” but that until such a solution is found, the FARC will “develop the guerrilla war.”
Already in the new year, the FARC is thought to have been responsible for three attacks in Neiva, the capital of Huila province. At least one person has been injured in these events; homes have sustained damages and electricity has been suspended in some areas.
On Friday, members of the FARC descended on San Vicente del Caguan, a town in the south of the country, planning to capture and occupy a police station. Five guerrillas, three soldiers and one bystander, an 11-year-old girl, died in the incident.
The FARC has been waging war against the Colombian government since 1964 and includes between 7,000 and 11,000 paramilitary soldiers in its ranks. At least 19 soldiers and police officers are currently being held hostage by the FARC.
For more information, please see:
Latin American Herald Tribune-Colombia’s FARC to Step Up Activities in 2011-8 January 2011
Colombia Reports-FARC to ‘redouble actions’ in 2011-8 January 2011
AFP-Colombia rebel attack leaves nine dead-7 January 2011
