Bogotá-Colombian police seized 67 kg (148 pounds) of explosives from a former FARC terrorist who was planning to launch an attack in the capital Bogotá, the government said Thursday.
Defense Minister Diego Morano said the attack was planned by a former member of the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents who refused a peace agreement with the government in 2016.
“Intelligence has detected plans to bring explosive pentolite to Bogotá and launch a terrorist attack in the city,” Morano said in a speech shared on social media.
He said Ernandario Velázquez, also known as El Paisa, ordered the attack.
According to security sources, El Paisa is a member of the former FARC’s so-called Segunda Marchetaria group, led by Ivan Marquez, whose leaders are hiding in Venezuela.
Terrorists also planned to carry out vandalism and attacks against Colombian troops and police during future protests, Morano said.
According to Colombian police chief Jorge Vargas, two people were captured during the operation to seize the explosives, one of whom is a former FARC combatant.
“El Paisa has issued a criminal order from Venezuela to launch an attack in the city of Bogotá,” said Vargas, reiterating that the Colombian government would provide up to 3 billion pesos ($ 769,000) of information leading to the arrest of opponents. ..
On Wednesday, Colombia reissued three Interpol Red notices for the capture of Marquez, demanding his delivery from Venezuela.
Another FARC opposition group, led by Gentil Duarte, was recently accused of firing a car bomb at a military base in the northeastern city of Cucuta on the border with Venezuela, and another attack in the area where the shots took place. It has been. Fired at a helicopter carrying President Ivan Duque.
According to security sources, all opposition FARC groups are involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.
