By Zoila Palma: Colombia’s government has announced a record reward for information leading to the capture of a rebel leader accused of orchestrating a deadly bombing that killed 20 people, BBC reports.
Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said authorities are offering 5 billion pesos (approximately $1.4 million) for information on the suspect known as “Marlon.”
“Marlon,” identified as Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, is believed to have ordered Saturday’s attack on the Pan-American Highway, one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent years. The bombing occurred just over a month before Colombia’s presidential election scheduled for May 31.
According to officials, the explosion struck a major roadway connecting the cities of Cali and Popayán in Cauca province, killing 15 women and five men. The blast destroyed several buses and vehicles and left a large crater on the highway. Cauca Governor Octavio Guzmán described it as the “most brutal and ruthless attack against the civilian population in decades.”
Authorities allege that “Marlon” is part of an armed group led by dissident rebel Iván Mordisco, considered the country’s most wanted figure. Mordisco, a former member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), broke away from the group during the 2016 peace negotiations and now leads a faction involved in illegal mining, extortion and drug trafficking.
President Gustavo Petro condemned those responsible as “terrorists, fascists and drug traffickers” and ordered additional troops deployed to the region.
The post International News: Colombia offers record $1.4M reward for rebel leader accused of deadly highway bombing appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Colombia’s government has announced a record reward for information leading to the capture of a rebel leader accused of orchestrating a deadly bombing that killed 20 people, BBC reports. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said authorities are offering 5 billion pesos (approximately $1.4 million) for information on the suspect known as “Marlon.” “Marlon,”
The post International News: Colombia offers record $1.4M reward for rebel leader accused of deadly highway bombing appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
