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1995-03-25
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COLOMBIA
The articles that follow were current as of 2:34 am, Saturday, March 25, 1995
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following material was downloaded from the Consular Affairs
Bulletin Board, U.S. Department of State, at 202-647-9225.
The Consular Affairs Bulletin Board provides information on
international travel for U.S. citizens. It includes information on
travel advisories, U.S. passports, the types of assistance provided by
Citizens Consular Services and the Citizens Emergency Center, and visa
information for aliens wishing to come to the United States. It also
permits access to the information contained on the Overseas Security
Advisory Council (OSAC) Electronic Bulletin Board.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/23/95
DH26183
CARTEL GIRLFRIEND USES DIP CAR
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE GIRL- FRIEND OF A CALI CARTEL KINGPIN WAS FOUND
TO BE DRIVING A DIPLOMATIC CAR REGISTERED TO A MILITARY ATTACHE FROM THE
EL SALVADORAN EMBASSY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/17/95
DH26045
FARC LEADER DEAD?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/16/95
DH26002
U.S. DRUG TRAFFICKER CAUGHT
REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE CAPTURED A SUSPECTED U.S. DRUG TRAFFICKER
WHO WAS POSING AS AN IMPORT/EXPORTER OF AUTO PARTS. U.S. EXTRADITION PROCEEDINGS
ARE UNDER WAY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/14/95
DH25926
PHYSICIANS STRIKE
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THOUSANDS OF COLOMBIAN DOCTORS AND NURSES WENT ON
STRIKE BRINGING SERVICES IN MOST OF THE COUNTRY HOSPITALS TO A NEAR HALT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/13/95
DH25889
REWARD FOR CALI DRUG LEADERS
REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN OFFICIALS ARE CONSIDERING OFFERING REWARDS
OF UP TO $5.7 MILLION EACH FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE CAPTURE OF THE
LEADERS OF THE CALI CARTEL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/10/95
DH25826
POLICE TARGET CALI CARTEL
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A SPECIAL ARMY AND POLICE TEAM HAD TO RELEASE THE
DAUGHTER AND SON OF CALI DRUG LORD RODRIGUEZ OREJUELA JUST HOURS AFTER
THEIR ARREST.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/10/95
DH25827
KIDNAP VICTIM RELEASED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, WHO HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED
AND HELD BY GUERRILLAS FOR NEARLY FIVE MONTHS, WAS RELEASED ON FRIDAY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/09/95
DH25768
FARC KIDNAPPING CAMPAIGN
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA EL TIEMPO REPORTS THAT DOCUMENTS SIEZED BY THE ARMY
SHOW THE FARC HAS PLANS TO KIDNAP A TOTAL OF 80 RANCHERS AND MERCHANTS
TO FINANCE 2 NEW FRONTS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/08/95
DH25784
SPANISH EMBASSY ROBBED
THE US EMBASSY REPORTED THAT TWO THIEVES, WHO LATER IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES
AS FARC MEMBERS, GAINED ENTRY INTO THE SPANISH EMBASSY AND STOLE A NUMBER
OF WEAPONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/06/95
DH25805
FARC BALKS ON RELEASING SWEDES
THE US EMBASSY REPORTED THAT THE FARC HAS BACKED AWAY FROM THEIR PROMISE
TO RELEASE THEIR SWEDISH HOSTAGES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/06/95
DH25704
ITALIAN DRUG TRAFFICKER NABBED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/05/95
DH25693
FARC ATTACKS TOWN KILLING 14
REUTER REPORTS THAT ABOUT 500 FARC MEMBERS RAIDED ITUANGO, A SMALL TOWN
185 MILES NW OF BOGOTA, KILLING EIGHT POLICE OFFICERS AND 6 CIVILIANS
BEFORE LEAVING IN STOLEN BUSES MONDAY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/03/95
DH25652
CALI DRUG TRAFFICKER CAPTURED
REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN ARMY AND POLICE SECURITY FORCES CAPTURED
JORGE RODRIGUEZ OREJUELA, ONE OF THE 7 LEADERS OF THE CALI CARTEL, IN
A DECISIVE BLOW TO THE POWERFUL DRUG CRATEL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/03/95
DH25679
FARC SENDS LETTER TO U.S. FIRM
A U.S.-BASED MULTINATIONAL FIRM REPORTED THAT IT RECEIVED A NON-THREATENING
LETTER FROM THE FARC GUERRILLA GROUP INDICATING ITS INTENTION OF RENEWING
PEACE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/03/95
DH25726
LEADER OF ELN ASSAULT CAPTURED
AMERICAN EMBASSY BOGOTA REPORTS COLOMBIAN FORCES HAVE CAPTURED FOUR MEMBERS
OF THE ELN, INCLUDING THE MAN BELIEVED TO BE THE LEADER OF THE ASSAULT
ON CARARABO, RAFAEL BLANCO FLORES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/01/95
DH25587
DRUG CERTIFICATION DOWNGRADED
REUTER REPORTED THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON DOWNGRADED COLOMBIA AS A COOPERATOR
IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/28/95
DH25542
ABDUCTED SWEDES TO BE RELEASED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT FARC REBELS HAVE PLEDGED TO RELEASE TWO SWEDISH
ENGINEERS, ACCORDING TO THEIR SWEDISH EMPLOYER.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/23/95
DH25380
QUAKE IN NORTHEASTERN COLOMBIA
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHOOK THE NORTHEASTERN COLOMBIA,
BUT NO REPORTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED INDICATING SERIOUS DAMAGE OR DEATHS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/23/95
DH25396
OIL PIPELINE DYNAMITED BY ELN
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THAT ECOPETROL HAS BLAMED THE COLOMBIA PIPELINE
ATTACK ON THE ELN. THE ATTACK OCCURED IN THE ANTIOQUIA DEPARTMENT, 250KM
NW OF SANTA FE DE BOGOTA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/23/95
DH25402
FARC LEADER VISITS SWEDEN
STOLKHOLM RADIO REPORTS THAT AN UNNAMED FARC LEADER SECRETLY VISITED SWEDEN
AND TOLD HIS HOSTS THAT THE TWO KIDNAPPED SWEDES WERE BARGAINING CHIPS
FOR TALKS WITH THE COLOMBIAN GOVT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/20/95
DH25403
AMNESTY INTL CONDEMS COLOMBIA
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA STATES THAT A REPORT BY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HAS PLACED
COLOMBIA ON A LIST OF COUNTRIES WHICH ROUTINELY USE ASSASSINATION AND
FORCED VANISHINGS TO ENFORCE LAWS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/16/95
DH25224
POLICE HELICOPTER SHOT DOWN
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT A COUNTERNARCOTICS HELICOPTER OPERATING
IN PUTUMAYO REGION WAS SHOT DOWN BY NARCO-GUERRILLAS. 3 WERE KILLED, 3
INJURED, AND 3 ARE MISSING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/14/95
DH25139
GERMAN ENGINEER KIDNAPPED
REUTER REPORTS THAT MARXIST REBELS HAVE KIDNAPPED A GERMAN ENGINEER WORKING
FOR ALABAMA-BASED DRUMMOND CO. INC NEAR EL PASO, 360 MILES NORTH OF BOGOTA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/14/95
DH25164
FARC AMBUSHES SOLDIERS
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT 5 SOLDIERS WERE KILLED IN AN AMBUSH BY
FARC WHILE ON PATROL IN THE GUAVIARE DEPARTMENT. ONE SOLDIER AND SEVERAL
WEAPONS WERE REPORTED MISSING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/10/95
DH25066
SWEDISH PROOF OF LIFE RECEIVED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/08/95
DH25262
RFF/FARC LEADER CAPTURED
EL TIEMPO REPORTED THAT JOSE FEDOR REY, A FORMER FARC LEADER AND FOUNDER
OF THE RICARDO FRANCO FRONT, WAS CAPTURED IN A TAVERN IN CALI.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/07/95
DH24985
FIVE HIKERS MURDERED IN ANDES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/02/95
DH24902
13 DIE IN MASSACRE
REUTERS REPORTED THAT GUNMEN KILLED 9 FAMILY MEMBERS IN A HOUSE IN CALDAS
PROVINCE AND 3 PEOPLE IN THE GETAWAY CAR AND A POLICEMAN WERE KILLED IN
SUBSEQUENT SHOOTOUT IN VANDETTA ATTACK.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/31/95
DH24819
BRAZILIAN ENGINEERS ABDUCTED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/31/95
DH24821
POLITICIAN KILLS PARTY MEMBER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/23/95
DH24590
GUERRILLAS ATTACK PIPELINE
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT 9000 BARRELS OF OIL WERE SPILLED INTO
THE MAGDALENA AND SIMANA RIVERS FOLLOWING A GUERRILLA ATTACK ON THE AYACUCHO
OIL PIPELINE IN CESAR DEPT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/23/95
DH24593
POLICE FREE 3 FOREIGN HOSTAGES
REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE FREED THREE FOREIGN TOURIST WHO WERE
BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY AN ARMED GROUP IN A RAID THAT RESULTED IN THE ARREST
OF ONE SUSPECT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/19/95
DH24454
EARTHQUAKE IN CENTRAL COLOMBIA
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHOOK CENTRAL COLOMBIA, KILLING
AT LEAST ONE PERSON.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/18/95
DH24437
YET ANOTHER AMCIT KIDNAPPED
ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS THAT MEMBERS OF A SPLINTER GROUP OF THE EPL KIDNAPPED
EDWARD GRAVOWSKY, A CIVIL ENGINEER WITH SOCOCO, S.A.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
DH24357
POPE BOYCOTT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
DH24377
PARAMILITARY/REBELS AT WAR
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT PARAMILITARY FORCES AND GUERRILLAS IN
CORDOBA AND URABA DECLARED WAR ON EACH OTHER OVER A LAND DISTRIBUTION ISSUE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
DH24384
EXTRADITION REVISITED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT MAY REVIVE EXTRADITION
-- THE PUNISHMENT MOST FEARED BY COCAINE KINGPINS -- IN LIGHT OF PUBLIC
DISGUST WITH LIGHT SENTENCES FOR TRAFFICKERS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
DH24398
KIDNAPPING--A GROWING INDUSTRY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
DH24405
"SOCIAL CLEANSING" IN MEDELLIN
THE US EMBASSY REPORTED ON A RECENT ARTICLE BY AN AP STRINGER REGARDING
THE "SOCIAL CLEANSING" OF UNDESIREABLE ELEMENTS (THIEVES, BEGGARS, PROSTITUTES)
IN MEDELLIN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/16/95
DH24355
U.S. WOMAN MISTAKENLY ARRESTED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/14/95
DH24404
PARAMILITARY MASSACRES
THE US EMBASSY REPORTED ON TWO RECENT MASSACRES CARRIED OUT BY PARAMILITARY
GROUPS IN THE CESAR AND ANTIOQUIA DEPARTMENTS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/13/95
DH24302
PLOT TO KILL PROSECUTOR
TELEVISION REPORTING INDICATED THAT THE PROSECUTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE HAD
UNCOVERED A PLOT BY A DRUG TRAFFICKER TO ASSASSINATE THE PROSECUTOR GENERAL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/13/95
DH24315
REBEL ATTACKS LEAVE 9 DEAD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/13/95
DH24703
FARC KIDNAP MASTERMIND NABBED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/11/95
DH24235
AIRLINER EXPLODES IN MID-AIR
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A DC-9 JET, HEADED FOR CARTAGENA FROM BOGOTA, EXPLODED
IN MID-AIR. OVER 50 ARE FEARED DEAD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/08/95
DH24145
COCA GROWERS RENEW PROTEST
REUTER REPORTS THAT COCA GROWERS RENEWED THEIR PROTEST AGAINST GOVERNMENT
PLANS TO DESTROY THEIR ILLEGAL CROPS BY TORCHING AN OIL PUMPING STATION
DESPITE ARRIVAL OF NEGOCIATORS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/08/95
DH24146
FARC SHOOTS DOWN GOV'T HELO
REUTER REPORTS THAT THE FARC SHOT DOWN ONE OF TWO POLICE HELICOPTERS AS
IT ESCORTED FUMIGATION PLANES FLYING OVER COCA PLANTATIONS IN A CONTINUING
GOV'T PROGRAM OF COCA ERADICATION.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/08/95
DH24147
GUERRILLAS STAGE JAILBREAK
REUTERS REPORTED FARC GUERRILLAS OVERPOWERED THREE GUARDS AT A MUNICIPAL
JAIL IN MOCOA AND SET FREE 93 PRISONERS, SOME OF WHICH WERE FARC MEMBERS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/05/95
DH24061
TENSION IN PUTUMAYO INCREASES
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT TENSION REMAINS HIGH IN PUTUMAYO WHERE
DEMONSTRATORS OPPOSED TO ILLEGAL CROP ERADICATION SEIZED 7 OUT 8 ECOPETROL
FUEL TANKS IN THE AREA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/05/95
DH24079
PUTUMAYO-OIL TANKS ABLAZE
REUTER REPORTS THAT THE MILITARY ARRRIVED IN PUTUMAYO TO RESTORE ORDER
AS DEMONSTRATORS SET TWO OIL STORAGE TANKS ON FIRE TO PROTEST GOVERNMENT
PLANS TO DESTROY THEIR COCA CROP.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/03/95
DH24006
PUTUMAYO PEASANTS PROTEST
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT THE ARMY IS ON STANDBY TO ENTER PUTUMAYO
TO QUELL DEMONSTRATORS WHO ARE DEMAND- ING A SUSPENSION OF HERBICIDAL
SPRAYING OF ILLEGAL COCA CROPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/25/94
DH24478
US EMBASSY GETS FARC XMAS CARD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/20/94
DH23775
U.S. JURY CONVICTS NARCO HOOD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/13/94
DH23660
TWO BOMBS EXPLODE IN BOGOTA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/06/94
DH23485
KILLING STATISTICS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/05/94
DH23455
ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORTS
ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTING, THE U.S. HAS AGREED TO BEGIN SHARING REAL-TIME
RADAR INTELLIGENCE WITH THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT AGAIN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/01/94
DH23356
ROLLERSKATING CHAMPION KILLED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
11/27/94
DH23259
GUERRILLAS SET OFF SEVEN BOMBS
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTS THAT 7 BOMBS WERE SET BY THE ELN IN A REVENGE
BOMBING AGAINST CERTAIN DRUGSTORE OWNERS WHO DID NOT COMPLY WITH EXTORTION
ATTEMPTS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
11/13/94
DH22968
LOCAL LIONS CLUB HEAD ABDUCTED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
11/13/94
DH22977
POLICE FEND OFF FARC ATTACK
REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN RIGHT-WING PARAMILITARIES FOUGHT ALONGSIDE
A SMALL GROUP OF POLICE OFFICERS TO PREVENT A FARC FRONT FROM TAKING OVER
A SMALL TOWN IN ANTIOQUIA PROVINCE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
11/02/94
DH22750
REBELS AMBUSH POLICE/STUDENTS
REUTER REPORTS THAT ONE STUDENT AND ELEVEN POLICEMEN WERE KILLED IN AN
AMBUSH BY MARXIST GUERRILLAS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/30/94
DH22672
KINGPIN DISCUSSES SURRENDER
REUTER REPORTS THAT A DRUG KINGPIN WHO REPORTEDLY EXPORTS 700 TONS OF
COCAINE A YEAR, HAS TOLD TIME MAGIZINE THE TERMS UNDER WHICH HE WOULD
SURRENDER.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/30/94
DH22677
MUNICIPAL ELECTION VIOLENCE
REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMIANS VOTED IN RELATIVE CALM ON SUNDAY DESPITE
A GUERRILLA ATTACK ON A POLICE PATROL AND THE BURNING OF TWO BUSES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
DH22521
TRAVEL WARNING
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
DH22522
ELN KIDNAP CHIEF CAPTURED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
DH22523
MORE SECURITY SUCCESSES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
DH22547
ESCOBAR AIDE GETS FIVE YEARS
REUTERS REPORTED THE FORMER CHIEF OF THE MILITARY WING OF DECEASED DRUG
LORD PABLO ESCOBAR'S ORGANIZATION WAS SENTENCED TUESDAY TO PRISION FOR
5 YEARS AND 5 MONTHS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/24/94
DH22526
EXECUTION-STYLE MURDERS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/24/94
DH22529
FARC REBELS AMBUSH 9 POLICEMEN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/22/94
DH22489
U.S. MORMON CHAPELS BOMBED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/21/94
DH22449
GUNMEN KILL INDIAN LEADER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/21/94
DH22451
104 CORRUPT POLICEMEN FIRED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/21/94
DH22454
MARKET BOMBED IN BOGOTA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/19/94
DH22388
BOMBING IN CUCUTA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/16/94
DH22343
EX-PRES. CANDIDATE KIDNAPPED
REUTER REPORTS THAT A FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WHO VOWED TO CLEAN
UP CORRUPTION WITH THE HELP OF HER SPIRITIAL POWERS WAS KIDNAPPED BY MARXIST
GUERRILLAS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/16/94
DH22394
BANK ROBBERS STEAL $30 MILLION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/15/94
DH22323
ELECTIONS MAY BE CANCELLED
REUTER REPORTS THAT THE GOVERNMENT FOUND EVIDENCE THAT SOME CANDIDATES
IN UPCOMING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WERE BEING FINANCED BY DRUG TRAFFICKERS
WHO WANT TO WIN POWER AT THE LOCAL LEVEL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/12/94
DH22455
FARC REBELS ARRESTED IN BOGOTA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/09/94
DH22199
REBELS ATTACK-BUT TALK PEACE?
REUTERS REPORTS THAT JUST HOURS BEFORE AN INTERVIEW OF THE LEADER OF THE
ELN TO DISCUSS PEACE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT, REBELS ATTACKED SIX POLICE
POSTS, WOUNDING THREE OFFICERS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/09/94
DH22200
GUNMAN KILLS JOURNALIST
REUTER REPORTS THAT A LONE GUNMAN SHOT TO DEATH A COLOMBIAN JOURNALIST
AS HE WAS DRINKING AT A PUB IN BOGOTA. THE GUNMAN FLED TO A WAITING TAXI,IN
WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PREPLANNED MURDER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
10/03/94
DH22045
ESCOBAR BROTHER TARGETED AGAIN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/29/94
DH21965
"THIS IS A NARCO-DEMOCRACY.."
REUTER REPORTS THAT ONE DAY AFTER RETIRING, U.S. DEA CHIEF JOE TOFT, STATED
THAT COLOMBIAN DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAVE SUCH INFLUENCE THAT THE COUNTRY HAS
BECOME A "NARCO-DEMOCRACY."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/24/94
DH21786
FARC KIDNAPS ANOTHER AMERICAN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/24/94
DH21967
ASSASSINATION PLOT UNCOVERED
EL ESPECTADOR REPORTS THE DISCOVERY OF A PLOT TO KILL GENERAL LUIS ENRIQUE
MONTENEGRO RINCO, METROPOLITAN POLICE COMMANDER IN SANTA FE DE BOGOTA,
AND HIS MOTHER.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/22/94
DH21756
ATTACK ON U.S. AMBASSADOR
SANTA FE DE BOTOGA REPORTED THAT FARC GUERRILLAS IN THE EASTERN MOUNTAINS
OF CAQUITA OPENED FIRE ON A HIGH- LEVEL U.S. DELEGATION AS THEY ATTEMPTED
TO LAND IN FIVE HELICOPTERS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/21/94
DH21710
NEW GUERRILLA GROUP EMERGES
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT A NEW SELF-STYLED GUERRILLA GROUP, THE
NATIONAL LIBERATION PEOPLE'S FRONT (FPLN) HAS SURFACED IN COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/20/94
DH21663
ELN ASSASSINATES LEGISLATOR
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT THE ELN CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSASSINATING
A LIBERAL CONGRESSMAN AS HE WAS LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY OF MEDELLIN WITH
HIS DRIVER AND BODYGUARD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/19/94
DH21634
CONGRESSMAN ASSASSINATED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/18/94
DH21618
CONGRESSMAN KIDNAPPED
ACCORDING TO REUTERS, UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN KIDNAPPED A CONGRESSMAN AND
A LOCAL POLITICIAN IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF YOLOMBO, LOCATED ABOUT 95 MILES
NORTHWEST OF BOGOTA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/14/94
DH21523
M-19 GROUP OCCUPIES TOWN
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA TELEVISION ANNOUNCED THAT DISSIDENT MEMBERS OF THE
TERRORIST GROUP M-19 TOOK OVER THE COLOMBIAN TOWN OF VALLE DEL CAUCA.
DAMAGE AND INJURIES REPORTED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/13/94
DH21463
MULTINATIONAL OIL FIELDS HIT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/08/94
DH21356
OFFICER MOONLIGHTS AS ROBBER
REUTER REPORTS THAT POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR A COLOMBIAN ARMY LT. WHO
USES HIS ANNUAL LEAVE TO LEAD OTHER SOLDIERS ON ARMED ROBBERY MISSIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/08/94
DH21357
VIOLENT OUTBREAK KILLS STUDENT
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT IN AN OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE ON THE UNIVERSITY
OF TOLIMA CAMPUS, ONE STUDENT WAS KILLED. THE STUDENTS WERE PROTESTING
INCREASED TUITION COSTS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
09/05/94
DH21258
CORRUPTION AND THE TOP COP
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN PROSECUTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE IS INVESTIGATING
THE FORMER DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE GENERAL FABIO CAMPOS FOR ALLEGED NARCOTICS
CONNECTIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/29/94
DH21098
14 KILLED IN REBEL CLASH
REUTER REPORTS THAT 6 SOLDIERS AND 8 FARC REBELS WERE KILLED IN CLASHES
IN THE OIL PRODUCING PROVINCE OF CASANARE. OIL OPERATIONS WERE NOT AFFECTED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/29/94
DH21111
EXPLOSION AT AIR FORCE SCHOOL
MADRID EFE REPORTED THAT AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE WAS THROWN AT A SENTRY POST
OF THE MARCO FIDEL SUAREZ AIR FORCE SCHOOL IN CALI. NO INJURIES WERE
REPORTED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/27/94
DH21070
BOMB HURLED AT MARINES
BOGOTA TELEVISION REPORTED THAT 6 COLOMBIAN NAVAL MARINES WERE INJURED
AFTER A BOMB WAS TOSSED AT THEIR VEHICLE AS IT WAS TRAVELLING IN WESTERN
BOGOTA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/21/94
DH20909
ELN AGREES TO PEACE TALKS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/19/94
DH20922
RIGHTIST GROUP CLAIMS ATTACK
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT THE ULTRARIGHT GROUP "COLOMBIA WITHOUT
GUERRILLAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK ON A VILLAGE IN VALLE
DEL CAUCA DEPT AND THE MURDER OF 3 PEOPLE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/18/94
DH20837
FARC OFFERS PEACE TALKS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/18/94
DH20844
GUERRILLAS DYNAMITE BUS
PARIS AFP IN SPANISH REPORTED THAT GUERRILLAS DYNAMITED AN INNER-CITY
BUS BY MISTAKE, KILLING AT LEAST 18 PEOPLE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/18/94
DH20920
FARC/ELN PREPARE OFFENSIVE
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT GUERRILLA GROUPS ARE PREPARING TO LAUNCH
A STRONG OFFENSIVE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WITH THE INTENTION OF IMPOSING
CONDITIONS ON UPCOMING PEACE TALKS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/16/94
DH20757
POLICE KILLED IN FARC AMBUSH
REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN MARXIST GUERRILLAS (FARC) KILLED SEVEN
ANTI-DRUG POLICE RETURNING FROM A PATROL IN A MOUNTAINOUS AREA USED FRO
OPIUM POPPY GROWING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/11/94
DH20641
MOURNERS TRASH BOGOTA'S CENTER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/10/94
DH20590
MORE POLICE CORRUPTION
REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIA'S POLICE FORCE HAS DISMISSED ANOTHER 34
OFFICERS FOR RECEIVING BRIBES FROM DRUG CARTELS. TOTAL DISMISSALS FOR
THE CALI POLICE FORCE STANDS AT 51.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/09/94
DH20554
LEFT-WING LEADER ASSASSINATED
REUTER REPORTED THAT A GUNMAN FIRING FROM A JEEP SHOT DEAD A PROMINENT
LEFT-WING LEADER, SENATOR MANUEL CEPEDA VARGAS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/07/94
DH20488
COCAINE SEIZED FROM AIRLINER
REUTERS REPORTS THAT POLICE SEIZED A HALF TON OF COCAINE SUNDAY FROM AN
AVIANCE AIRLINER SHORTLY BEFORE IT TOOK OFF FOR MEXICO AND MIAMI. FOUR
AVIANCA EMPLOYEES WERE ARRESTED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/04/94
DH20408
POLICE ARREST THEIR OWN-PART 2
REUTERS REPORTED THAT 17 POLICE OFFICERS WERE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY ACCEPTING
BRIBES FROM THE CALI DRUG CARTEL. THIS FOLLOWS ON THE HEELS OF A MASS
ARREST OF AIRPORT SECURITY COPS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/03/94
DH20356
POLICE ARRESTED AT INT AIRPORT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/03/94
DH20385
MORMON TEMPLES BOMBED-UPDATE
THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BOGOTA CONFIRMS THAT TWO MORMON TEMPLES WERE BOMBED
BY PRESUMABLY FARC ELEMENTS. FOUR BOMBS EXPLODED AT THE TEMPLES IN CALI
AND TWO COLOMBIANS WERE SLIGHTLY INJURED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
08/02/94
DH20339
FARC BOMBS MORMON TEMPLES
HAMBURG DPA REPORTED THAT FARC CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR TWO BOMB ATTACKS
ON MORMON TEMPLES IN THE CITY OF CALI TO PROTEST POTENTIAL U.S. MILITARY
INTERVENTION IN HAITI.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/30/94
DH20257
MINISTER ESCAPES ASSASSINATION
REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIA'S MINISTER OF TRANSPORT ESCAPED UNHARMED
FROM AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SATURDAY AS HIS MOTORCADE WAS GOING TO AN
INAUGURAL CEREMONY IN LA GUAJIRA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/29/94
DH20207
GUERRILLAS TO ATTACK UNTIL 8/7
BOGOTA TELEVISION STATES THAT GUERRILLA ATTACKS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE
INCOMING SAMPER GOVERNMENT IS SWORN IN ON AUG 7. IF NO RESOLUTION IS NEGOCIATED,
THE ATTACKS WILL CONTINE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/29/94
DH20388
ELN BOMBS OIL PIPELINE
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTED THAT ELN ELEMENTS BLEW UP THE CANO LIMON-COVENAS
OIL PIPELINE IN SARAVENA MUNICIPALITY. 6000 BARRELS OF OIL SPILLED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/27/94
DH20144
FARC, ELN ATTACK COMM CENTER
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA INRAVISION TELEVISION REPORTED THAT CLASHES BETWEEN
JOINT FARC AND ELN FORCES AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES ARE TAKING PLACE FOR
CONTROL OF A COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/23/94
DH20048
REBELS KILL 10 SOLDIERS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/22/94
DH20049
INTERNATL AIRPORT TARGETED?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/22/94
DH20194
GUERRILLAS CONTINUE ATTACKS
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTS THAT THE FARC HAVE ATTACKED POLICE STATIONS,
AN ARMY BASE AND BRITISH PETROLEUM CONVOY IN AN ESCALATION OF TERRORISM.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/19/94
DH19930
ARMY GENERAL ASSASSINATED
THE US EMBASSY AND REUTERS REPORTED THE ASSASSINATION OF A COLOMBIAN ARMY
GENERAL BY SUSPECTED FARC GUERRILLAS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/19/94
DH19940
AIR CARRIER LICENSES REVOKED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/19/94
DH19941
VIOLENT DEATHS IN 1993
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/17/94
DH19827
AIRLINES THREAT 2ND UPDATE
RSO BOGOTA HAS ADVISED THAT ALL OSAC COUNTRY COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE BEEN
ADVISED OF THE TELEPHONE CALLS TO AMERICAN AIRLINES. OTHER OSAC MEMBERS
HAVE NOT RECEIVED SIMILAR CALLS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/17/94
DH19862
REBELS CONTINUE THEIR ATTACKS
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN ARMY HAS GONE ON ALERT
TO COMBAT AN APPARENT GUERRILLA OFFENSIVE ENTITLED "FAREWELL TO GAVIRIA."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/17/94
DH19888
ANTI-DRUG POLICY CHANGING
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/17/94
DH19891
BOGOTA FOREGOES ANTI-DRUG AID
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/16/94
DH19825
THREAT TO AMERICAN AIRLINES
AMERICAN AIRLINES HAS APPARENTLY RECEIVED SEVERAL CALLS IN BOGOTA THREATENING
TO BLOW UP AN AMERICAN AIRLINES AIRCRAFT. THE SAME CALLER IS BELIEVED
TO HAVE MADE BOTH CALLS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/16/94
DH19826
UPDATE TO AIRLINES THREAT
DSS/ITA HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE REGIONAL SECURITY OFFICER. PLEASE
SEE SECURITY INCIDENTS FOR THE LAST INFORMATION, AS OF SUNDAY, JULY 17,
1994 CONCERNING THIS THREAT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/15/94
DH19803
OVER 40 KILLED IN FARC AMBUSH
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/13/94
DH19708
POLICE CHIEF IMPLICATED
REUTERS IS REPORTING THAT THE NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF MAY BE IMPLICATED
IN A BRIBE PURPORTEDLY FROM THE CALI CARTEL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/13/94
DH19804
EPL/D LEADER CAPTURED
THE US EMBASSY REPORTED THAT EPL/D GUERRILLA LEADER OSCAR MANUEL PACHECO
WAS CAPTURED IN MONTERIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/11/94
DH19683
ELN READY TO RENEW TALKS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) HAS INDICATED
TO PRESIDENT-ELECT SAMPER A WILLINGNESS TO RENEW PEACE TALKS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/10/94
DH19727
KIDNAPPED COUNCILMAN FREED
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN BOGOTA REPORTED THAT KIDNAPPED VICE PRESIDENT
OF THE LA PAZ CITY COUNCIL, JOSE MORON ARAUJO, WAS FREED UNHARMED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/09/94
DH19728
ARMED CLASHES CONTINUE
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN BOGOTA REPORTED THAT ARMED CLASES BETWEEN SECURITY
SERVICES AND GUERRILLAS WERE REPORTED RECENTLY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/08/94
DH19725
MILITIA LEADER ASSASSINATED
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN BOGOTA REPORTED THAT THE UNIDENTIFIED ASSAILANTS
OF A MILITIA LEADER MAY BE PART OF "DEATH TO THE DEMOBILIZED MILITIAS".
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/07/94
DH19726
ARMS CACHE DISCOVERED
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN BOGOTA REPORTED THAT SECURITY FORCES DISCOVERED
A LARGE GUERRILLA ARMS CACHE, POSSIBLY BELONGING TO FARC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/06/94
DH19551
DRUGLORD'S COMPUTER CENTER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/03/94
DH19475
PLAYER'S KILLER ARRESTED
REUTERS REPORTED THE ARREST OF THE KILLER OF ANDRES ESCOBAR, A MEMBER
OF COLOMBIA'S WORLD CUP SOCCER TEAM.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/02/94
DH19431
COLOMBIA SOCCER PLAYER KILLED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A SOCCER PLAYER ON THE COLOMBIAN NATIONAL SOCCER
TEAM THAT RECENTLY LOST IN THE WORLD CUP WAS SHOT AND KILLED AT A MEDELLIN
RESTURANT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/02/94
DH19468
COLOMBIA SOCCER PLAYER KILLED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/30/94
DH19365
EPL/D SIGNS PEACE ACCORD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/26/94
DH19265
NEW PRESIDENT THREATENED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/25/94
DH19298
4TH-RANKING ELN LEADER CAUGHT
PRESS SOURCES REPORTED THAT ARMY UNITS CAPTURED THE FOURTH RANKING MEMBER
OF THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN), WHO WAS IN THE PROCESS OF EXTORTING
MONEY FROM A COLOMBIAN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/25/94
DH19150
COLOMBIA PRESIDENT-ELECT
WIRE AND SATELLITE NEWS SOURCES ARE REPORTING THAT AMBASSADOR BUSBY MET
WITH PRESIDENT ELECT ERNESTO SAMPER TO DISCUSS RUMORS THAT SAMPER HAS
ACCEPTED CALI CARTEL ELECTION CONTRIBUTIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/23/94
DH19106
PREZ-ELECT GETS DEATH THREATS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A "REVITALIZED" MEDELLIN CARTEL HAS ISSUED DEATH
THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT-ELECT SAMPER AND HIS FAMILY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/22/94
DH19047
EPL/D LEADER CAPTURED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN SOLIDERS HAVE CAPTURED THE LEADER OF THE
DISSIDENT FACTION OF THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL/D), THE COUNTRY'S
3RD LARGEST INSURGENT ORGANIZATION.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/22/94
DH19076
THREAT TO WORLD CUP TEAM
REUTER REPORTED THAT A PLAYER AND THE COACH OF COLOMBIA'S WORLD CUP TEAM
RECEIVED THREATENING FAXES AT THEIR LOS ANGELES HOTEL BEFORE THE MATCH
WITH THE U.S. ON 06/22/94.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/21/94
DH19014
ELN RELEASES ELECTORAL MEMBERS
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THE RELEASE OF SIX ELECTORAL MEMBERS AND
TWO DELEGATES WHO WERE KIDNAPPED BY THE EFRAIN PABON PABON FRONT, A SELF-STYLED
ELN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/21/94
DH19023
EPL AGREES TO DISARM
REUTERS REPORTED A PEACE AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN COLOMBIA'S GOVERNMENT
AND MARXIST GUERRILLAS (EPL). UNDER THE TERMS, 150 REBELS WILL SURRENDER
WEAPONS AND DEMOBILIZE JULY 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/19/94
DH18939
ELECTION OFFICIALS KIDNAPPED
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED TEN ELECTORAL DELEGATES AND VOTING OFFICIALS
KIDNAPPED BY THE SIMON BOLIVAR GUERRILLA GROUP IN THE NORTHEASTERN PART
OF COLOMBIA ON SUNDAY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/17/94
DH18915
ELN BOMBS 18 BANKS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT MARXIST REBELS (ELN) BOMBED 18 BANKS IN MEDELLIN
BEFORE DAWN FRIDAY, 2 DAYS BEFORE SECOND-ROUND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.
MINOR DAMAGE RESULTED AND NO DEATHS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/14/94
DH18826
ELN BOMBS RADIO STATIONS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE ELN BOMBED TWO RADIO TRANSMISSION TOWERS ON
THE OUTSKIRTS OF CARTAGENA ON THE EVE OF THE FOURTH IBERO-AMERICAN SUMMIT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/05/94
DH18660
BOMB KILLS 2 IN ARAUCA
PARIS AFP REPORTED THAT A DYNAMITE BOMB EXPLODED, KILLING THE TWO PEOPLE
WHO WERE CARRYING IT. GUERRILLAS ARE BLAMED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
06/02/94
DH18620
OIL PIPELINE BOMBED AGAIN
BOGOTA TELEVISION REPORTED THAT ELN GUERRILLAS BOMBED A SECTION OF THE
CANO LIMON COVENAS OIL PIPELINE NEAR THE MUNICIPALITY OF PELAYA IN THE
SOUTHERN CESAR DEPARTMENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/29/94
DH18566
CAR-BOMB SUSPECTS FREED
EL PANAMA AMERICA REPORTED THAT THE TWO COLOMBIAN SUSPECTS IN THE GRENADE
CAR-BOMB ATTACK OF A JEWISH BUSINESS- MAN HAVE BEEN RELEASED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT
EVIDENCE AGAINST THEM.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/27/94
DH18591
CANO LIMON-COVENAS LINE BOMBED
EL TIEMPO REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS BOMBED THE CANO LIMON-COVENAS
OIL PIPELINE NEAR THE MUNICIPALITY OF EL TARRA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/26/94
DH18509
630 MILITIA MEMBERS DEMOBILIZE
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT 630 POPULAR MILITIA MEMBERS IN MEDELLIN
WERE SCHEDULED TO DEMOBILIZE IN RETURN FOR GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT AND THE
RELEASE OF 50 IMPRISONED COLLEAGUES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/26/94
DH18512
REBELS BURN 10 MEDELLIN BUSES
REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS BURNED 10 BUSES IN MEDELLIN
IN PROTEST OF AN ACCORD SIGNED BY THE GOVENMENT AND MEDELLIN POPULAR MILITIA
GROUPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/25/94
DH18486
GUERRILLAS THREATEN ELECTION
REUTERS REPORTED THAT ELN REBELS HAVE THREATENED TO KILL ANY ELECTION
OFFICIALS WHO ATTEMPTED TO SET UP POLLING BOOTHS IN CERTAIN AREAS OF THE
COUNTRY WHERE THE ELN IS STRONGEST.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/24/94
DH18463
FARC CLAIMS MEDELLIN BOMB
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE FARC CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUNDAY'S BOMBING
IN MEDELLIN WHICH KILLED 6 POLICEMEN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/23/94
DH18427
BOMB KILLS POLICE/HOTEL DAMAGE
SANTA FE BOGOTA TELEVISION REPORTED THAT A BOMB EXPLODED AS A POLICE CAR
PASSED THE COLOMBIA HOTEL IN MEDELLIN. FOUR POLICE WERE KILLED, AND THE
FACADE OF THE HOTEL WAS DAMAGED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/23/94
DH18447
MEDELLIN BOMBING -- NARCO?
BOGOTA TELEVISION REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE NOT RULED OUT
MEDELLIN CARTEL COMPLICITY IN THE MEDELLIN BOMBING OF MAY 22, 1994.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/14/94
DH18303
ASSASSINATION PLOT FOILED
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THAT AT LEAST 5 REMOTE-CONTROLLED BOMBS WERE
DISCOVERED, WHICH GUERRILLAS HAD PLANNED TO SET OFF AGAINST THE HELICOPTER
OF THE SANTANDER DEPT GOVERNOR.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/11/94
DH18251
STATE OF EMERGENCY LIFTED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT PRESIDENT GAVIRIA ENDED A 10-DAY STATE OF EMERGENCY
BUT HAS INSTITUTED A "JUDICIAL EMERGENCY" TO KEEP DANGEROUS PRISONERS
FROM BEING RELEASED FROM JAIL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
05/07/94
DH18204
GUERRILLA LEADER ARRESTED
ACCORDING TO PARIS AFP, COLOMBIAN ARMY AND SECRET POLICE ARRESTED 12 LEFTIST
GUERRILLAS AND CONFISCATED A CACHE OF WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES, FOILING
A PLOT TO SABOTAGE MAY ELECTIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/28/94
DH18217
GUERRILLA BOMBING UPDATE
IN A COMPILATION OF RECENT TERRORIST INCIDENTS IN COLOMBIA, IT WAS REPORTED
THAT GUERRILLAS BLEW UP A SECTION OF THE CANO-LIMON COVENAS OIL PIPELINE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/27/94
DH18032
TREASURER OF CANDITATE KILLED
MADRID EFE REPORTED THAT THE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/22/94
DH17985
SEARCH BLOC POLICEMAN KILLED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/18/94
DH17908
ARMY FOILS PLOT
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN ARMY FOILED A PLAN BY REBELS TO AMBUSH
AND BOMB A CONVOY OF VEHICLES BELONGING TO THE BRITISH PETROLEUM CO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/12/94
DH17803
WARDEN MESSAGE
THE U.S. EMBASSY HAS ISSUED A WARDEN MESSAGE INDICATING AN INCREASED KIDNAPPING
THREAT TO U.S. CITIZENS. FULL TEXT CAN BE FOUND IN THE PUBLIC STATEMENTS/TRAVEL
ADVISORIES SECTION.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/09/94
DH17772
GOVERNMENT, REBELS SIGN ACCORD
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT SIGNED A PEACE ACCORD WITH
REBEL LEADERS TO END A DECADES-LONG ARMED STRUGGLE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/07/94
DH17737
GUERRILLAS SHUT DOWN PIPELINE
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THAT THE ELN DYNAMITED A SECTION OF THE CANO
LIMON-COVENAS PIPELINE, CAUSING A FIRE AND OIL SPILLAGE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/07/94
DH17739
BOMB EXPLODES IN CITY
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A BOMB WAS DETONATED IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE
CAPITAL, CAUSING DAMAGE TO NEARBY BUILDINGS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
04/01/94
DH17646
MISSING US MISSIONARY-UPDATE
REUTERS IDENTIFIED THE MISSING AMERICAN MISSIONARY AS RAY RISING OF THE
INSTITUTE OF SUMMER LINGUISTICS. THE MILITARY BELIEVES HIS ABDUCTORS MAY
BE MEMBERS OF THE FARC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/31/94
DH17619
NEW REBEL GROUP EMERGES
REUTERS REPORTED THAT ACCORDING TO A POLICE SPOKESMAN, A NEW GROUP COMPRISED
OF FORMER M-19 AND EPL MEMBERS HAS BEGUN TO CONDUCT SUBVERSIVE OPERATIONS
IN COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/31/94
DH17634
U.S. MISSIONARY MISSING
THE U.S. EMBASSY HAS REPORTED ON THE PROBABLE KIDNAPPING OF A U.S. MISSIONARY
IN THE META DEPARTMENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/30/94
DH17598
FRENCH HOSTAGES RELEASED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT TWO FRENCH WOMEN KIDNAPPED MARCH 2 IN THE LA MACARENA
NATIONAL PARK IN SOUTHEASTERN META PROVINCE WERE RELEASED BY THEIR MARXIST
GUERRILLA CAPTORS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/27/94
DH17534
GUERRILLAS THREATEN AIRCRAFT
COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS GUARDING POPPY AND COCA FIELDS HAVE THREATENED TO
FIRE AT ANY AIRCRAFT WHICH FLIES OVER THE PLANTATIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/26/94
DH17554
THREE INDIAN LEADERS MURDERED
THE MURDER OF THREE INDIAN LEADERS, THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF KILLINGS,
HAS SPARKED OUTRAGE AMONG CITIZENS AND OFFICIALS IN COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/23/94
DH17510
POLICE UNCOVER PLOT
MADRID EFE REPORTED THAT NATIONAL POLICE DISCOVERED A PLOT TO CARRY OUT
ATTACKS AGAINST CERTAIN CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS, INCLUDING THAT OF THE LIBERAL
PARTY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/15/94
DH17413
TWO OIL EMPLOYEES MURDERED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT TWO EMPLOYEES FROM AN INTERNATIONAL OIL FIRM WERE
MURDERED BY MARXIST GUERRILLAS. GUERILLAS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/15/94
DH17440
ELN RELEASES VOTING OFFICIALS
ACCORDING TO MEDIA REPORTS, THE ELN RELEASED 13 VOTING OFFICIALS OF THE
RIO DE ORO MUNICIPAL OFFICE AND MURDERED ONE VOTING OFFICER IN THE AGUA
SAL DISTRICT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/13/94
DH17353
VIOLENCE MARS ELECTION
REUTERS REPORTED THAT MARXIST GUERRILLAS KIDNAPPED 31 ELECTION OFFICIALS
FROM CARCASI IN SANTANDER PROVINCE. GUERRILLAS ALSO MURDERED THE TOWN
COUNCIL PRESIDENT OF UPIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/13/94
DH17355
ELECTORAL OFFICIALS RELEASED
THIRTY TWO ELECTORAL OFFICIALS WERE RELEASED AFTER BEING KIDNAPPED BY
THE ELN JUST BEFORE THE START OF THE COLOMBIAN ELECTIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/12/94
DH17330
CALI DRUG LEADER SURRENDERS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT JULIO FABIO URDINOLA, ONE OF THE LEADERS OF THE
CALI CARTEL, HAS SURRENDERED TO AUTHORITIES IN CALI, THE FIRST OF THE
CARTEL TO DO SO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/09/94
DH17282
ARMY AND REBELS CLASH, 24 DIE
IN RECENT CLASHES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT TROOPS AND MARXIST REBELS, 24 PEOPLE
HAVE DIED. THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED JUST DAYS BEFORE CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS,
TO BE HELD ON 03/13/94.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/08/94
DH17251
CITIBANK BRANCH BOMBED
U.S. CITIBANK SOURCES REPORTED THE BOMBING OF A CITIBANK BRANCH IN PEREIRA.
NO GROUP HAS CLAIMED RESPONSI- BILITY FOR THE ATTACK.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/08/94
DH17266
BOMB ATTACK ABORTED
A BOMB ATTACK ON THE JUSTICE PALACE IN FLORENCIA WAS PREVENTED WHEN COLOMBIAN
POLICE CAPTURED SIX SUBVERSIVES PREPARING THE BOMB NEAR THE PALACE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/06/94
DH17244
BOMB FOUND IN MORMON CHURCH
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT LOCAL POLICE DEACTIVATED A BOMB THAT WAS
PLACED IN A MORMON CHURCH IN CHINCHINA, CALDES DEPARTMENT. NO CLAIMS
OF RESPONSIBILITY WERE RECEIVED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/04/94
DH17284
BOMB FOUND IN MORMON CHURCH
DSS/ITA HAS LEARNED THAT AN UNIDEN- TIFIED PERSON PLANTED A BOMB IN A
MORMON CHURCH IN BARRANQUILLA. IT WAS LATER DEACTIVATED BY POLICE.
NO CLAIMS OF RESPONSIBILITY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/04/94
DH17285
ATTEMPTED MORMON CHURCH BOMB
DSS/ITA HAS LEARNED THAT A PIPE BOMB WAS DEACTIVATED AT A MORMON CHURCH
IN MANIZALES. BOMB EXPERTS OPINED THAT IT WOULD HAVE DESTROYED HALF THE
BUILDING UPON DETONATION. NO CLAIMS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/04/94
DH17187
WARNING MESSAGE ISSUED
THE U.S. EMBASSY ISSUED A WARNING TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS TO AVOID TRAVEL
TO VILLAVICENCIO UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. SEE PUBLIC STATEMENTS/TRAVEL ADVISORY
FOR FULL TEXT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/02/94
DH17122
REBELS KIDNAP FRENCH TOURISTS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS KIDNAPPED TWO FRENCH TOURISTS
WHILE THEY WERE VISITING A COLOMBIAN NATIONAL PARK.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/02/94
DH17160
MANNING RELEASED
EL TIEMPO REPORTED THAT KIDNAPPED AMERICAN MINING ENGINEER LEWIS MANNING
WAS RELEASED BY HIS ELN CAPTORS DURING THE EVENING OF MARCH 2, 1994.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
03/02/94
DH17287
SHOOTING AT MORMON CHURCH
DSS/ITA HAS LEARNED THAT TWO UNI- FORMED MEN WEARING MASKS USED MACHINE
GUNS TO SHOOT OUT THE WINDOWS OF A MORMON CHAPEL IN BUGA. NO INJURIES
OR CLAIMS OF RESPONSIBILITY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/25/94
DH17049
WARDEN MESSAGE FOR AMCITS
THE U.S. EMBASSY HAS RELEASED A WARDEN MESSAGE TO THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY
IN COLOMBIA. FOR FULL TEXT SEE THE PUBLIC STATEMENTS/TRAVEL ADVISORIES
SECTION OF THE EBB.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/24/94
DH17033
MORE BOMBS IN MEDELLIN
EMISORAS CARACOL REPORTED THAT TWO BOMBS EXPLODED DURING EARLY MORNING
HOURS -- ONE AT A TRAVEL AGENCY AND THE OTHER AT A PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/23/94
DH17018
CALI DRUG KINGPIN ARRESTED
MADRID EFE REPORTED THE ARREST OF NOTED DRUG KINGPIN JAIME OREJUELA CABALLERO,
COUSIN OF REPUTED CALI CARTEL LEADER GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ OREJUELA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/22/94
DH17004
KIDNAPPED POLITICIANS RELEASED
MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS RELEASED 6 OF THE
8 POLITICIANS KIDNAPPED LAST WEEKEND IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/21/94
DH16988
CONSULATE ATTACK CLAIMED
MADRID EFE REPORTED THAT A MEDELLIN URBAN MILITIA GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY
FOR THE FEBRUARY 20 ATTACKS AGAINST THE VENEZUELAN CONSULATE AND FOUR
POLITICAL PARTY OFFICES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/15/94
DH16878
ACCORD STRUCK WITH MILITIAS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE GOVERN- MENT HAS STRUCK A PRELIMINARY ACCORD
WITH TWO MEDELLIN MILITIA GROUPS, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN COLOMBIA'S
MOST VIOLENT CITY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/12/94
DH16833
KEY EPL/D LEADER CAPTURED
MADRID EFE REPORTED THAT ALVARO SOLANO, A KEY LEADER OF THE DISSIDENT
FACTION OF THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL/D) WAS CAPTURED IN NEIVA WHILE
BOARDING A PLANE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/12/94
DH16841
SECURITY NOTICE TO U.S. FIRMS
THE U.S. EMBASSY RELEASED A SECURITY NOTICE TO THE OSAC COUNTRY COUNCIL
CONCERNING A THREAT TO U.S. FIRMS. SEE PUBLIC STATEMENTS/TRAVEL ADVISORIES
SECTION OF EBB FOR FULL TEXT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/10/94
DH16800
COLOMBIAN AMBASSADOR KILLED
HAMBURG DPA REPORTED THAT UNKNOWN GUNMEN KILLED COLOMBIA'S AMBASSADOR
TO HONDURAS, LUCELLY GARCIA, ON A HIGHWAY LEADING TO IBAGUE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/08/94
DH16802
ANTI-U.S. DEMONSTRATIONS
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED ON DEMONSTRATIONS CONDUCTED BY ECOPETROL WORKERS
AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PROTESTING THE PRESENCE OF U.S. TROOPS IN COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/07/94
DH16758
CLINIC BOMBED IN BOGOTA
BOGOTA TELEVISION REPORTED THAT PRESUMED GUERRILLAS BOMBED THE SAN PEDRO
CLAVIER CLINIC IN BOGOTA, CAUSING NO INJURIES BUT SERIOUS PROPERTY DAMAGE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/07/94
DH16766
SENATOR EVADES ELN KIDNAPPING
REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN SENATOR AMILKAR ACOSTA ESCAPED A POTENTIAL
KIDNAP ATTEMPT BY THE ELN ON AN ISOLATED HIGHWAY IN THE NORTHERN PROVINCE
OF CESAR.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/04/94
DH16724
ITALIAN BUSINESSMAN RELEASED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE FARC RELEASED PROMINENT ITALIAN BUSINESSMAN
GEOVANNI CESAMA VITALY AFTER HOLDING HIM HOSTAGE FOR FIVE MONTHS. NO
WORD IF A RANSOM WAS PAID.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/04/94
DH16759
ELN SEIZES RADIO STATIONS
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT THE ELN HAD TEMPORARILY SEIZED THREE RADIO
STATIONS TO BROADCAST VARIOUS CLAIMS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECENT ACTIONS
ON THEIR PART.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/03/94
DH16670
FOREIGN & U.S. FIRMS ATTACKED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT POLICE ARE BLAIMING THE ELN FOR AN ATTEMPTED BOMBING
OF THE MEDELLIN HEADQUARTERS OF U.S. CITIBANK/DINERS CLUB AND THE BOMBING
OF THREE OTHER FOREIGN TARGETS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/03/94
DH16696
UPDATE TO FEB 3 BOMBINGS
THE U.S. EMBASSY PROVIDED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ATTACKS CARRIED
OUT AGAINST U.S. AND FOREIGN FIRMS IN MEDELLIN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/03/94
DH16722
FARC CLAIMS MEDELLIN BOMBINGS
HAMBURG DPA REPORTED THAT THE FARC SENT A COMMUNIQUE TO MEDELLIN RADIO
STATIONS CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACKS ON FEBRUARY 3 TO PROTEST
THE PRESENCE OF U.S TROOPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/02/94
DH16667
ANOTHER MAYOR KILLED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT GUNMEN AMBUSHED AND KILLED THE MAYOR OF LA UNION,
LOCATED 110 MILES NORTHWEST OF BOGOTA. NO GROUP HAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY
FOR THE ATTACK.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
02/02/94
DH16686
UPDATE TO ANTI-U.S. THREAT
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN MILITARY POLICE HAVE SPECULATED
THAT REBELS ARE POSSIBLY PLANNING TO CARRY OUT ANTI-U.S. ATTACKS IN BOGOTA
TO PROTEST U.S. TROOPS IN COLOMBIA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/28/94
DH16581
WARNING
THE STATE DEPARTMENT ADVISES THAT U.S. CITIZENS ARE WARNED AGAINST TRAVEL
TO COLOMBIA UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. SEE PUBLIC STATEMENTS/TRAVEL ADVISORIES
FOR FULL TEXT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/28/94
DH16605
EPL/D LEADER ARRESTED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE NUMBER THREE LEADER OF THE DISSIDENT FACTION
OF THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL/D) WAS ARRESTED IN CARTAGENA WHILE
TRYING TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/25/94
DH16532
EMBASSY NOTICE
THE U.S. EMBASSY IN COLOMBIA ADVISED THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY ABOUT THE
POSSIBILITY OF VIOLENCE. SEE FULL TEXT IN THE PUBLIC STATEMENTS/TRAVEL
ADVISORY FILE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/23/94
DH16504
FARC MASSACRE KILLS 35
REUTERS REPORTED THAT 20 ARMED GUNMEN OF THE FARC OPENED FIRE ON A STREET
PARTY AND INDISCRIMINATELY MASSACRED 35 PEOPLE IN APARTADO, LOCATED IN
THE URABA REGION OF COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/23/94
DH16509
MORMON CHAPELS BOMBED
LDS OFFICIAL REPORTED THAT GUERRILLAS DESTROYED TWO OF THEIR CHAPELS BY
BOMBS. THE CHAPELS WERE LOCATED IN MEDELLIN AND IN BUCARAMANGA. NO INJURIES
WERE REPORTED.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/23/94
DH16510
COKE BOTTLING FRANCHISE BOMBED
COCA COLA SECURITY OFFICIALS CONFIRMED THAT THEIR BUCARAMANGA BOTTLING
FRANCHISE HAD BEEN BOMBED BY PRESUMED GUERRILLAS CAUSING MINIMAL DAMAGE
AND NO INJURIES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/21/94
DH16501
POPAYAN OFFICIAL KIDNAPPED
ACCORDING TO COLOMBIAN TELEVISION REPORTING, UNKNOWN PERSONS KIDNAPPED
THE PRESIDENT OF THE POPAYAN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/18/94
DH16489
PIPELINE TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN
PRESS REPORTING INDICATED THAT A SECTION OF THE COLOMBIAN PIPELINE HAD
TO BE TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN DUE TO EXTENSIVE DAMAGE CAUSED BY ELN BOMBING
ATTACKS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/94
DH16456
FARC KIDNAPS U.S. MISSIONARIES
REUTERS AND THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE FARC HAVE KIDNAPPED
TWO U.S. MISSIONARIES NEAR VILLAVICENCIO, IN APPARENT PROTEST OF U.S.
TROOPS STATIONED IN COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/94
DH16457
ELN ATTACKS FINANCE MINISTER
REUTERS REPORTED THAT ELN REBELS DETONATED A BOMB NEAR THE MOTORCADE OF
COLOMBIA'S FINANCE MINISTER, WRECKING HIS ARMORED CAR AND INJURING A BODYGUARD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/17/94
DH16464
FARC OCCUPIES RURAL TOWN
PARIS AFP REPORTED THAT FARC REBELS TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED THE SANTANDER
DEPARTMENT TOWN OF FLORIAN, KILLING TWO POLICEMEN AND ROBBING THE LOCAL
BANK BEFORE FLEEING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/15/94
DH16490
ANTI-US DEMONSTRATION
ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTING, DEMONSTRATORS BURNED A U.S. FLAG IN FRONT
OF THE COLOMBIAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER IN MEDELLIN TO PROTEST U.S.
MILITARY PRESENCE IN COLOMBIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/14/94
DH16492
CAR BOMB ATTACK FOILED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE CONFISCATED A CAR AND 65 POUNDS
OF DYNAMITE THAT WAS BEING PREPARED FOR USE AGAINST COLOMBIA'S DIRECTOR
OF PRISONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/13/94
DH16404
MAYOR KILLED NEAR CUSIANA
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE MAYOR OF CHAMEZA, LOCATED NEAR THE CUSIANA OILFIELD,
WAS GUNNED DOWN BY ELN REBELS WHILE SHE WAS WORKING IN HER OFFICE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/12/94
DH16393
M-19 MEMBERS OCCUPY CHURCH
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/07/94
DH16336
COLOMBIAN TOURIST VAN BOMBED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT TWO PERSONS WERE KILLED AND 8 OTHERS WERE WOUNDED
WHEN ELN GUERRILLAS BOMBED A TOURIST VAN NEAR SAN JOSE, 100 MILES NORTHEAST
OF BOGOTA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/07/94
DH24130
MORE DEMONSTRATIONS PLANNED
ACCORDING TO COLOMBIAN MEDIA REPORTS, PEASANTS HAVE GATHERED IN REMOLINO
DEL CAGUAN AND PLAN TO MARCH ON FLORENCIA IF THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES
TO SPRAY CROPS WITH GLYOPHOSPHATE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/06/94
DH16306
GUERRILLA STATISTICS PUBLISHED
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN ARMY RELEASED STATISTICS
INDICATING THAT ARMED FORCES HAD KILLED 993 GUERRILLAS DURING 1993 AND
HAD CAPTURED ANOTHER 1,873.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/05/94
DH16288
COLONEL ACCUSED OF KILLINGS
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN NAVY IS INVESTIGATING ACCUSATIONS
MADE BY TWO UNNAMED NAVY OFFICERS THAT THE NAVY CHIEF OF INTELLIGENCE
ORDERED THE KILLINGS OF OVER 50 PERSONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
01/01/94
DH23994
WEEKEND DEATH TOLL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/31/93
DH16221
DRIVE-BY SHOOTING KILLS FIVE
ACCORDING TO DIARIO LAS AMERICAS, FIVE PERSONS, INCLUDING THE SISTER OF
A NATIONAL POLICEMAN, WERE KILLED IN A DRIVE-BY SHOOTING IN BARRANQUILLA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
12/31/93
DH16273
EIGHT PEASANTS KILLED BY FARC
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT FARC GUERRILLAS MURDERED 8 PEASANTS IN
THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN JUAN DE LA CHINA, ON THE SUSPICION THAT THE PEASANTS
WERE ARMY INFORMANTS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Daily Highlights)
COLOMBIA
07/19/20
DH19937
GUERRILLAS ATTACK NEAR BOGOTA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
10/08/1987
AV00235
REBEL UMBRELLA GROUP FOUNDED
THE SIMON BOLIVAR GUERRILLA COORDINATING BOARD (CNG) IS AN UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION
UNDER WHICH THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC), THE NATIONAL
LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) AND A DISSIDENT FACTION OF THE POPULAR LIBERATION
ARMY (EPL) COORDINATE POLITICAL POSITIONS AND ORGANIZE JOINT TERRORIST
OPERATIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
08/28/1985
AV00234
DEATH OF M-19 LEADER
APRIL 19 MOVEMENT (M-19) LEADER IVAN MARINO OSPINA WAS KILLED IN A CLASH
WITH GOVERNMENT TROOPS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
11/20/1983
AV00237
LEGALIZATION OF THE M-19
THE APRIL 19 MOVEMENT (M-19), A LEFTIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, WAS LEGALIZED
BY AN AMNESTY LAW AFTER THE GROUP HAD MADE PEACE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
THE M-19 IS NOW A LEGITIMATE POLITICAL PARTY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
03/04/1982
AV00228
EXTRADITION TREATY IN EFFECT
THE U.S.-COLOMBIAN EXTRADITION TREATY, AIMED IN PART AT DRUG TRAFFICKERS,
CAME INTO EFFECT. THE TREATY WAS LATER INVALIDATED BY THE COLOMBIAN SUPREME
COURT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
04/29/1967
AV00156
FOUNDING OF THE EPL
EPL (POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
08/15/1964
AV00207
ELN BEGINS ARMED STRUGGLE
THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) BEGINS ITS ARMED STRUGGLE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
05/27/1964
AV00230
ASSAULT ON PEASANT "REPUBLIC"
ON THIS DATE, GOVERNMENT TROOPS ATTACKED THE "INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC" THAT
COMMUNIST PEASANT GROUPS HAD SET UP AT MARQUETALIA, CALDAS DEPARTMENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
11/11/1957
AV00236
EPL DECLARES WAR ON GOVERNMENT
THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL), A LEFTIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, HAS
SINCE MADE PEACE WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND BECOME A LEGITIMATE POLITICAL
PARTY. HOWEVER, A DISSIDENT FACTION CONTINUES THE ARMED STRUGGLE AGAINST
THE GOVERNMENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
07/17/1930
AV00231
COMMUNIST PARTY FOUNDED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
07/20/1810
AV00232
INDEPENDENCE DAY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Anniversary Dates)
COLOMBIA
08/07/0000
AV00233
BATTLE OF BOYACA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/23/95
SC24569
CARTEL GIRLFRIEND USES DIP CAR
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT A POLICE RAID REVEALED THAT THE GIRLFRIEND
OF A KNOWN CALI CARTEL KINGPIN HAD AUTHORIZATION TO DRIVE A MERCEDES WITH
DIPLOMATIC PLATES THAT WAS REGISTERED TO A MILITARY ATTACHE AT THE EL
SALVADORAN EMBASSY IN BOGOTA. THE MILITARY ATTACHE WAS APPARENTLY OUT
OF THE COUNTRY AT THE TIME, BUT DOCUMENTS IN THE CAR AUTHORIZED PATRICIA
CONDE TO USE THE CAR. THE SALVADORAN EMBASSY ACKNOWLEDGED THE CAR WAS
THE PROPERTY OF ONE OF ITS DEFENCE ATTACHES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/17/95
SC24433
FARC LEADER DEAD?
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT LOCAL NEWS STATIONS WERE BROADCASTING THAT
MANUEL MARULANDA VELEZ, LONGTIME LEADER OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES
OF COLOMBIA (FARC) HAD DIED OF A HEART ATTACK NEAR THE TOWN OF GRANADA
IN THE META DEPARTMENT ON MARCH 13. COLOMBIA'S DEFENSE MINISTER STATED
HE HAD RECEIVED NO INFORMATION TO CONFIRM THIS AND ADDED THAT IT COULD
BE PART OF A GUERRILLA STRATEGY OF DISINFORMATION.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/16/95
SC24391
U.S. DRUG TRAFFICKER CAUGHT
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT THE COLOMBIAN POLICE CAPTURED A SUSPECTED
U.S. DRUG TRAFFICKER DURING AN OPERATION IN THE SOUTHWESTERN CITY OF CALI
WHERE HE WAS USING AN AUTO PARTS BUSINESS AS A FRONT. STATE SECURITY
POLICE JULIO CIPREANO AS HE WAS DRIVING IN A CAR ALONG A DOWNTOWN STREET.
THE PROSECUTOR- GENERAL'S OFFICE IS ARRANGING THE CUBAN-AMERICAN'S EXTRDITION
TO THE UNITED STATES WHERE A SOUTH FLORIDA DISTRICT COURT JUDGE HAS ISSUED
A WARRENT FOR HIS ARREST FOR SMUGGLING COCAINE INTO THE U.S.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/14/95
SC24315
PHYSICIANS STRIKE
REUTERS REPORTED THAT THOUSANDS OF COLOMBIAN DOCTORS AND NURSES WENT
ON STRIKE TUESDAY, BRINGING SERVICES IN MOST OF THE COUNTRY'S HOSPITALS
TO A HALT. THEY ARE PROTESTING LOW SALARIES AND ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL
MEDICAL UNION, THE APPROXIMATELY 120,000 DOCOTS, NURSES, AND OTHER STAFF
INTEND TO STAY OUT OF WORK FOR TWO DAYS. THE GOVERNMENT RECENTLY INCREASED
HOSPITAL SALARIES BY 18 PERCENT, BUT THE UNION SAID SALARIES WERE STILL
NOT COMPETITIVE WITH THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/13/95
SC24278
REWARD FOR CALI DRUG LEADERS
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIA IS CONSIDERING LAUNCHING
A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN OFFERING CASH REWARDS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO
THE CAPTURE OF THE LEADERS OF THE CALI CARTEL, ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL
DRUG ORGANIZATIONS, ACCORDING TO POLICE AND MILITARY OFFICIALS. AN ARMY
OFFICIAL TOLD REUTERS THE DEFENSE MINISTRY WOULD LIKELY BROADCAST TELEVISION
COMMERCIALS OFFERING ABOUT FIVE BILLION PESOS ($5.7 MILLION) FOR EACH
OF THE SUSPECTED LEADERS, INCLUDING MIGUEL AND GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ OREJUELA.
THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE CALI CARTEL WOULD BE DESIGNED TO HELP THE SPECIAL
ARMY AND POLICE TEAM THAT HAS BEEN HUNTING FOR THE DRUG LORDS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN
CITY FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. THE TEAM'S MOST SIGNIFICANT BLOW AGAINST THE
CARTEL CAME WHEN IT CAPTURED JORGE ELIECER RODRIGUEZ OREJUELA, THE YOUNGER
BROTHER OF MIGUEL AND GILBERTO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/10/95
SC24214
POLICE TARGET CALI CARTEL
REUTERS REPORTED THAT A SPECIAL ARMY AND POLICE TEAM ARRESTED HUMBERTO
AND MARIA ALEJANDRA OREJUELA, CHILDREN OF CALI DRUG KINGPIN RODRIGUEZ
OREJUELA. THEY WERE ARRESTED AT THE CALI AIRPORT WHERE THEY HAD JUST RETURNED
FROM THE U.S. DUE TO THE REVOCATION OF THEIR VISAS BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.
THEN, JUST HOURS AFTER THEIR ARREST, THEY WERE RELEASED BECAUSE THE WARRANTS
AGAINST THEM HAD EXPIRED. THE WARRANTS HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 1993 FOR ILLICIT
ENRICH- MENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/10/95
SC24215
KIDNAP VICTIM RELEASED
REUTERS REPORTED THAT FORMER COLOMBIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, REGINA
BETANCOURT DE LISKA, WAS RELEASED BY GUERRILLAS AFTER BEING KIDNAPPED
AND HELD FOR ALMOST FIVE MONTHS. MRS. BETANCOURT WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE BY
A GROUP OF UNARMED GUNMEN NEAR HER RANCH LAST OCTOBER 15. HER CAPTORS
WERE MEMBERS OF THE DEFUNCT M-19 WHO HAVE FORMED A NEW GROUP CALLED "COLOMBIA
VIVA." MRS. BETANCOURT CLAIMS TO HAVE A MESSAGE FROM THE GUERRILLAS FOR
THE GOVERNMENT. OTHER THAN BEING TIRED AND DIRTY FROM WALKING MILES THROUGH
THE MOUNTAINS, MRS. BETANCOURT WAS IN GOOD SHAPE AND SAID THE GUERRILLAS
TREATED HER VERY WELL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/09/95
SC24155
FARC KIDNAPPING CAMPAIGN
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA EL TIEMPO REPORTS THAT DOCUMENTS RECOVERED BY THE
ARMY IN RECENT ACTIONS AGAINST THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA
(FARC) REVEAL THAT THE GUERRILLAS ARE ATTEMPTING TO KIDNAP A TOTAL OF
80 RANCHERS AND MERCHANTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CUNDINAMARCA. THESE KIDNAPPINGS
ARE AIMED AT FINANCING THE CREATION OF TWO NEW FRONTS WHICH WOULD HAVE
THE MISSION OF EXTENDING THE FARC PRESENCE TO THE NORTHERN AND NORTH EASTERN
ZONES OF CUNDINAMARCA.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/08/95
SC24171
SPANISH EMBASSY ROBBED
BOGOTA THE US EMBASSY REPORTED THAT TWO INDIVIDUALS, LATER IDENTIFYING
THEMSELVES AS MEMBERS OF THE FARC 22 GUERRILLA FRONT, GAINED ENTRY IN
THE SPANISH EMBASSY (IN NORTH BOGOTA) AND STOLE A NUMBER OF WEAPONS. THE
CONTRACT GUARD ON DUTY APPARENTLY LET THE TWO MEN AFTER THEY EXPLAINED
THEY WERE THERE TO FIX THE GENERATOR (WHICH IN FACT WAS BROKE). THE "GENERATOR
REPAIRMEN" WERE THEN LED TO THE BASEMENT WHERE THEY WERE ALLOWED TO WORK
UNESCORTED. THE "REPAIRMEN" THEN PROCEEDED TO STEAL EIGHT WEAPONS (3 SUBMACHINE
GUNS, 2 RIFLES, 2 PISTOLS AND A REVOLVER) FROM AN UNLOCKED CABINET IN
THE SAME ROOM. WHEN TWO SECURITY PERSONNEL CONFRONTED THE REPAIRMEN AS
THEY WERE LEAVING WITH THE WEAPONS, THE ROBBERS ANNOUNCED THEY WERE FARC
MEMBERS. THE SECURITY PERSONNEL WERE THEN TIED UP AND THE THIEVES DEPARTED.
THE RSO'S POLICE CONTACTS BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT WAS A PURE CRIMINAL INCIDENT
AND THAT SOMEONE SUPPLIED INSIDE INFORMATION TO THE THIEVES. (THE SPANISH
EMBASSY HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A NUMBER OF CONTRACT GUARDS RECENTLY, AND
THE CONTRACT GUARD AND/OR THE COMPANY ARE SUSPECTED.)
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/06/95
SC24093
ITALIAN DRUG TRAFFICKER NABBED
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE CAPTURED ITALIAN DRUG TRAFFICKER
UGO RANIERI AS HE WAS DRIVING ALONG A MAJOR AVENUE IN WESTERN BOGOTA.
RANIERI IS WANTED BY INTERPOL FOR RUNNING A SMUGGLING RING IN COLOMBIA
THAT HAD SHIPPED THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF COCAINE TO ITALY. HE HAS ALSO
BEEN ACCUSED OF SHIPPING 265 POUNDS OF HEROIN INTO HIS NATIVE COUNTRY
AS WELL. IN A SEPARATE MATTER, POLICE ARRESTED A CANADIAN ON FEBRUARY
23 WHO WAS ALLEGEDLY WORKING FOR THE CALI CARTEL IN THAT SOUTHWESTERN CITY.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/06/95
SC24192
FARC BALKS ON RELEASING SWEDES
MONTERIA, CORDOBA DEPARTMENT THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT THE REVOLUTIONARY
ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) FAILED TO RELEASE TWO SWEDISH ENGINEERS
AS HAD BEEN PROMISED BY A FARC REPRESENTATIVE WHO MET WITH SWEDISH BUSINESSMEN
LAST WEEK. AFTER THE HOSTAGES' EMPLOYER COMPLIED WITH GUERRILLA DEMANDS
TO READ A PROPAGANDA STATEMENT, THE FARC ADDED A FURTHER CONDITION THAT
THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT WITHDRAW ITS FORCES FROM THE AREA (CORDOBA DEPARTMENT)
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/05/95
SC24082
FARC ATTACKS TOWN KILLING 14
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA REUTER REPORTS THAT APPROXIMATELY 500 HEAVILY ARMED
MEMBERS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) RAIDED THE
SMALL TOWN OF ITUANGO SUNDAY KILLING EIGHT POLICE OFFICERS AND SIX CIVILIANS,
ACCORDING TO FATHER JAIRO BARRERA CORREA. DURING THE ATTACK THE GUERRILLAS
DESTROYED MANY BUILDINGS AND TOOK THE MAYOR AND SIX OTHER PEOPLE HOSTAGE
BEFORE LEAVING IN STOLEN BUSES ON MONDAY. POLICE CONFIRMED THE ATTACK
ON THE TOWN, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ANTIOQUIA ABOUT 185 MILES
NORTHWEST OF BOGOTA, AND STATED THAT THEY HAD SENT REINFORCEMENTS TO SEARCH
FOR THE GUERRILLAS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/03/95
SC24041
CALI DRUG TRAFFICKER CAPTURED
CALI REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN SECURITY FORCES CAPTURED ONE OF THE
SEVEN LEADERS OF THE CALI CARTEL, DEALING A DECISIVE BLOW AGAINST ONE
OF THE WORLDS MOST POWERFUL DRUG ORGANISATIONS. A SPECIAL ARMY AND POLICE
TEAM CAPTURED JORGE RODRIGUEZ OREJUELA IN CALI CITY, 180 MILES SOUTHWEST
OF BOGOTA. THE CAPTURE WAS PART OF WIDER OPERATION THROUGHOUT CALI AND
SURROUNDING TOWNS AND INVOLVES 3000 SOLDIERS AND POLICE. THE CAPTURE CAME
JUST ONE DAY AFTER THE U.S. SCOLDED COLOMBIA FOR NOT DOING ENOUGH TO FIGHT
DRUG TRAFFICKING. THE U.S. GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IT WOULD CONTINUE TO "CERTIFY"
COLOMBIA AS A COOPERATING COUNTRY BUT ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS IN ITS "NATIONAL
INTEREST" TO DO SO. THE SPECIAL ARMY AND POLICE TEAM, SIMILAR TO THE ONE
THAT HUNTED DOWN PABLO ESCOBAR IN MEDELLIN, HAD BEEN WORKING IN CALI FOR
MORE THAN A YEAR WITHOUT ANY SIGNIFICANT RESULTS PRIOR TO THE OREJUELA
CAPTURE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/03/95
SC24068
FARC SENDS LETTER TO US FIRM
CALI, COLOMBIA A US-BASED MULTINATIONAL FIRM IN COLOMBIA REPORTED THAT
IT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE COLOMBIAN GUERRILLA GROUP "FARC" INDICATING
IT'S INTENTION OF REOPENING TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA. NOTE:
DS/ITA WOULD BE INTERESTED IN ANY OTHER SIMILAR COMMUNICATIONS MADE TO
AMERICAN COMPANIES. PLEASE RESPOND VIA EBB E-MAIL.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/03/95
SC24115
LEADER OF ELN ASSAULT CAPTURED
BOGOTA AMERICAN EMBASSY BOGOTA REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN FORCES CAPTURED
4 (FOUR) ELN GUERRILLAS AND KILLED ANOTHER WHILE TRACKING THE GUERRILLA
COLUMN THAT HAD ATTACKED CARARABO. AMONG THOSE CAPTURED WAS RAFAEL BLANCO
FLORES, ALIAS "CARRILLO", WHOM THE AUTHORITIES ACCUSE OF LEADING THE ASSAULT.
THE COLOMBIAN ARMED FORCES COMMANDER REPORTEDLY TOLD VENEZUELAN AUTHORITIES
THAT FLORES WILL ANSWER FOR HIS CRIMES IN COLOMBIA AND WILL NOT BE TURNED
OVER TO VENEZUELA FOR TRIAL. IN ADDITION, WEAPONS "CORRESPONDING" TO
THOSE TAKEN FROM CARARABO WERE UNCOVERED AT A GUERRILLA ARMS CACHE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
03/01/95
SC23978
DRUG CERTIFICATION DOWNGRADED
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT THE UNITED STATES DOWNGRADED COLOMBIA AS A
COOPERATOR IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING BUT STATED IT WOULD CONTINUE
AID TO THE COCAINE PRODUCING COUNTRY. PRESIDENT CLINTON ANNOUNCED THAT
THE U.S. WOULD CONTINUE TO "CERTIFY" COLOMBIA AS A COOPERATING COUNTRY
BUT ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS "VITAL TO U.S. NATIONAL INTERESTS" TO DO SO, NOT
BECAUSE ITS DRUG FIGHTING EFFORTS HAD BEEN SATISFACTORY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/28/95
SC23931
ABDUCTED SWEDES TO BE RELEASED
STOCKHOLM REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA
(FARC) HAVE PLEDGED TO RELEASE TWO SWEDISH ENGINEERS THEY KIDNAPPED ON
DECEMBER 14, 1995, ACCORDING TO THEIR SWEDISH EMPLOYERS (SKANSKA ENGINEERING).
THE FARC HAS DEMANDED THAT THE COMPANY ONLY READ OUT A STATEMENT FROM
THE FARC AS THE ONLY CONDITION FOR THE PAIR'S RELEASE. THE FARC STATEMENT
INDICATED THAT THE KIDNAPPING HAD BEEN TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE DAMAGE
BEING CAUSED TO COLOMBIA'S ECO-SYSTEM BY THE URRA HYDROELECTRIC DAM, BEING
BUILT BY SKANSKA. ACCORDING TO SKANSKA, THE FARC HAS PLEDGED TO HAND OVER
DANNY APPLEGATE AND TOMMY TYRVING TO A COMMITTEE OF COLOMBIAN AND FOREIGN
NATIONALS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/23/95
SC23772
QUAKE IN NORTHEASTERN COLOMBIA
SANTANDER DEPARTMENT REUTERS REPORTED THAT A STRONG EARTHQUAKE (5.8 RICHTER
SCALE) SHOOK NORTH- EASTERN COLOMBIA BUT FIRST REPORTS DID NOT INDICATE
SERIOUS DAMAGE OR DEATHS. THE EPICENTER OF THE QUAKE OCCURRED NEAR THE
SMALL TOWN OF JORDAN IN THE SANTANDER PROVINCE, ABOUT 140 MILES NORTHEAST
OF BOGOTA. THE QUAKE WAS JUST BARELY PERCEPTIBLE IN BOGOTA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/23/95
SC23788
OIL PIPELINE DYNAMITED BY ELN
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN PETROLEUM
ENTERPRISE (ECOPETROL) HAS BLAMED THE ARMY OF NATIONAL LIBERATION (ELN)
FOR DYNAMITING THE COLOMBIA PIPELINE. THE ATTACK ON THE PIPELINE, THE
SECOND LARGEST IN THE COUNTRY, TOOK PLACE IN REMEDIOS MUNICIPALITY, ANTIOQUIA
DEPARTMENT, ABOUT 250 KM NORTHWEST OF SANTA FE DE BOGOTA.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/23/95
SC23794
FARC LEADER VISITS SWEDEN
SWEDEN STOLKHOLM RADIO REPORTED THAT A HIGH RANKING REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) GUERRILLA GROUP SECRETLY
VISITED STOLKHOLM FOR TALKS WITH THE HEAD OF SWEDEN'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COUNCIL. THE UNNAMED GUERRILLA LEADER TOLD HIS HOSTS THAT THE TWO SWEDES
WHO WERE KIDNAPPED LAST DECEMBER ARE BEING HELD AS NEGOTIATING CARDS FOR
USE IN FARC'S TALKS WITH THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/20/95
SC23795
AMNESTY INTL CONDEMS COLOMBIA
BOGOTA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT COLOMBIA IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S
SIX BLACK SHEEP WHEN IT COMES HUMAN RIGHTS ACCORDING TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
IN THEIR ANNUAL REPORT. COLOMBIA IS LISTED ALONG WITH IRAQ, SRI LANKA,
ZIMBABWE, TURKEY, AND MOROCCO. THE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE REPORT WERE
FORCED VANISHING AND THE ASSASSINATIONS OF PEOPLE BY STATE SECURITY FORCES
AND THE UTILIZATION OF INTELLIGENCE SERVICES TO COVER UP THESE CRIMES.
ACCORDING TO THE NONGOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION (NGO) COLOMBIA IS ONE OF THE
WORLD'S LEADERS IN THE NUMBER OF FORCED VANISHINGS AND ILLEGAL ASSASSINATIONS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/16/95
SC23621
POLICE HELICOPTER SHOT DOWN
PUERTO ASIS, PUTUMAYO SANTA FE DE BOGOTA TELEVISION REPORTED THAT A GUERRILLA
GROUP OPERATING NEAR PUERTO ASIS, PUTUMAYO, SHOT DOWN A POLICE COUNTERNARCOTICS
HELICOPTER ON 2/16 TWO OFFICERS AND ONE AGENT WERE KILLED, THREE UNIFORMED
SOLDIERS WERE INJURED AND THREE OTHERS ARE MISSING. THE HELICOPTER WAS
OPERATING NEAR TWO COCA PROCESSING LABS WHEN IT WAS SHOT DOWN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/14/95
SC23538
GERMAN ENGINEER KIDNAPPED
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT MARXIST REBELS HAVE KIDNAPPED A GERMAN ENGINEER
WORKING FOR A U.S. COAL COMPANY IN NORTHERN COLOMBIA. HE IS THE LATEST
IN A SERIES OF ABDUCTIONS OF FOREIGNERS. TWO PEOPLE DIED DURING THE KIDNAPPING.
FOUR HEAVILY ARMED MEN STOPPED A TRUCK USED BY ALABAMA-BASED DRUMMOND
CO. INC. EARLY MONDAY MORNING NEAR THE TOWN OF EL PASO, ABOUT 360 MILES
NORTH OF BOGOTA AND OVERPOWERED THE THREE MEN INSIDE. GERMAN ENGINEER
LEO RUTHING WAS DRIVING, ACCOMPANIED BY TWO COLOMBIANS CONTRACTED BY THE
COAL COMPANY, WHICH IS DEVELOPING A MAJOR MINING PROJECT IN THE AREA.
THE KIDNAPPERS THEN DROVE OFF AT HIGH SPEED, CRASHING THE TRUCK AND KILLING
ONE OF THE COLOMBIAN ENGINEERS AND ONE OF THE ABDUCTORS. NO RANSOM DEMAND
HAS BEEN RECEIVED AS YET THE KIDNAPPERS WHO ARE BELIEVED TO BE MEMBERS
OF THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY RUTHING IS THE LATEST VICTIM OF AWAVE
OF KIDNAPPINGS OF FOREIGNERS BY COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS OR COMMON CRIMINALS.
EIGHT AMERICAN ARE CURRENTLY HELD ALONG WITH A CANADIAN, TWO BRAZILIANS
AND TWO SWEDES.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/14/95
SC23563
FARC AMBUSHES SOLDIERS
EL GUAVIARE SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT FIVE SOLDIERS WERE KILLED
AND ONE IS MISSING AS A RESULT OF AN ATTACK ON A MARINE INFANTRY UNIT
BY THE FARC'S 44TH FRONT. THE UNIT, WHICH WAS PATROLLING BETWEEN PUERTO
COLUMBIA AND EL BARRACON, ALSO REPORTED THE LOSS SVERAL RIFLES, GRENADES,
AMMUNITION, AND TWO RADIOS. THE BRIGADE COMMANDER BLAMED THE LOSSES ON
POOR SECURITY DURING THE MARCH BACK TO SAN JOSE DEL GUAVIARE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/10/95
SC23466
SWEDISH PROOF OF LIFE RECEIVED
STOCKHOLM REUTERS REPORTED THAT FAMILIES OF TWO SWEDISH ENGINEERS KIDNAPPED
BY MARXIST GUERRILLAS IN COLOMBIA ON DECEMBER 14, 1994, HAVE RECEIVED
LETTERS INDICATING THEY ARE ALIVE, ACCORDING TO THEIR EMPLOYER, THE CONSTRUCTION
FIRM SKANSKA OF SWEDEN. THE LETTERS STATED THAT DANNY APPLEGATE AND TOMMY
TYRVING WERE IN GOOD HEALTH AND BEING TREATED WELL, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED
THAT THE HANDWRITING OF THE TWO LETTERS BELONGED TO THE TWO HOSTAGES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/08/95
SC23658
RFF/FARC LEADER CAPTURED
CALI EL TIEMPO REPORTED THAT JOSE FEDOR, A DISSIDENT MEMBER OF THE REVOLUTIONARY
ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) AND THE LEADER/FOUNDER OF THE RICARDO
FRANCO FRONT (RFF), WAS CAPTURED IN CALI. FEDOR IS CHARGED WITH (AND
ADMITTED) KILLING OVER 160 GUERRILLA MEMBERS OF HIS ORGANIZATION IN TACUEYO.
FEDOR PURGED HIS GUERRILLA GROUP IN 1985 AND ACCUSED 164 MEMBERS OF BEING
MILITARY INFORMANTS BEFORE HE EXECUTED THEM. FEDOR HAD BEEN A FUGITIVE
FROM JUSTICE FOR 9 YEARS BEFORE HE WAS CAPTURED IN A CALI TAVERN. FEDOR
WAS ALSO A FUGITIVE FROM THE FARC WHO HAD CONDEMNED HIM TO DEATH AFTER
THE MASSACRE OF THE RFF. FEDOR HAD INITIALLY DESERTED FROM THE FARC IN
1982 AFTER HE STOLE APPROXIMATELY $2 MILLION FROM THE GROUP. HE THEN ORGANIZED
THE RICARDO FRANCO FRONT.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/07/95
SC23385
FIVE HIKERS MURDERED IN ANDES
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA REUTERS REPORTED THAT FIVE COLOMBIAN HIKERS WERE TORTURED
THEN MURDERED BY FARC GUERRILLAS WHO ASSUMED THEY WERE COLOMBIAN ARMY
SCOUTS. THE SHORT HAIRCUTS OF THE HIKERS MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE
GUERRILLAS' SUSPICIONS. THE MURDERS TOOK PLACE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF THE
NEVADO DEL TOLIMA NATIONAL PARK, LOCATED ABOUT 90 MILES WEST OF BOGOTA.
REPORTEDLY, THE YOUNG HIKERS HAD THEIR SHOULDERS AND LEGS BROKEN BEFORE
THEY WERE SHOT IN THE HEAD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
02/02/95
SC23307
13 DIE IN MASSACRE
CALDAS PROVINCE REUTERS REPORTED THAT ON FEBRUARY 2, GUNMEN BURST INTO
A HOME WHERE FAMILY MEMBERS WERE MOURNING THE DEATH OF A RELITIVE AND
SHOT DEAD NINE PEOPLE INCLUDING A 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL. THRE PEOPLE IN THE
GETAWAY CAR AND A POLICEMAN WHO CONFRONTED THEM DIED MINUTES LATER IN
A GUNFIGHT. POLICE BELIEVE THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO A FAMILY VANDETTA.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE COFFEE-GROWING REGION OF CALDAS PROVINCE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/31/95
SC23224
BRAZILIAN ENGINEERS ABDUCTED
SAN CARLOS REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN GUNMEN KIDNAPPED TWO BRAZILIAN
ENGINEERS WORKING AT THE ABANDONED CENTRAL CALDERAS HYDROELECTRIC DAM
NEAR THE TOWN OF SAN CARLOS. KIDNAPPED WERE CARLOS MOCRA AND AN UNIDENTIFIED
MAN. THE KIDNAPPERS WERE MOST LIKELY MARXIST GUERRILLAS KNOWN TO OPERATE
IN THE AREA, LOCATED MORE THAN 90 MILES NORTHWEST OF BOGOTA IN THE ANTIOQUIA
PROVINCE. THE BRAZILIAN EMBASSY HAD LITTLE COMMENT OTHER THAN TO SAY THAT
THE TWO WERE WORKING FOR THE SWISS-SWEDISH ENGINEERING GROUP ASEA BROWN
BOVERI.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/31/95
SC23226
POLITICIAN KILLS PARTY MEMBER
BUCARAMANGA REUTERS REPORTED THAT A COLOMBIAN CONGRESSMAN SURRENDERED
TO POLICE ON TUESDAY AFTER KILLING A MEMBER OF HIS POLITICAL PARTY BY
SHOOTING HIM IN THE FACE DURING AN ARGUMENT. THE SHOOTER, WHO WAS ONCE
A MEMBER OF THE LOWER HOUSE'S PEACE COMMISSION, LATER SAID THAT HE HAD
ACTED IN SELF-DEFENSE AGAINST THE VICTIM, A CAMPAIGN ORGANIZER. AFTER
A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION, POLICE SPECULATE THAT THE VICTIM HAD ATTEMPTED
TO HIT THE POLITICIAN WHICH BROUGHT ABOUT THE SHOOTING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/23/95
SC22998
GUERRILLAS ATTACK PIPELINE
MAGDALENA AND SIMANA RIVERS, CESAR DEPARTMENT SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTED
THAT GUERRILLAS ATTACKED THE AYACUCHO OIL PIPELINE IN CESAR DEPARTMENT.
9000 BARRELS OF OIL WERE SPILLED INTO THE MAGDALENA AND SIMANA RIVERS.
ECOPETROL TRIED TO HOLD BACK THE CRUDE WITH FLOATING BARRIERS; HOWEVER,
THE GUERRILLAS DESTROYED THEM ALSO. AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CONTAIN
THE OIL AND THE SPILL WILL REACH THE MOUTH OF THE MAGDALENA RIVER ON THE
ATLANTIC OCEAN IN THE NEXT 24-48 HOURS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/23/95
SC23000
POLICE FREE 3 FOREIGN HOSTAGES
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE FREED THREE FOREIGN TOURISTS
WHO WERE BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY AN ARMED GROUP IN THE CENTRAL PROVINCE
OF CUNDINAMARCA. FREED WERE ALFRED MANN, A DUTCH CITIZEN, AND DOMINICAN
REPUBLICANS FUSTINA AZA PEREZ DE PESQUERO AND MERCEDES SANTA RUIZ DURING
A RAID EARLY MONDAY ON A FARM NEAR THE TOWN OF PACHO, 40 MILES NORTH OF
BOGOTA. ONE SUSPECT WAS ARRESTED. ALL THE HOSTAGES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION.
THEY HAD BEEN HELD BY UNIDENTIFIED KIDNAPPERS FOR 80 DAYS WHO DEMANDED
A TOTAL OF $1.5 MILLION FOR THEIR RELEASE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/19/95
SC22866
EARTHQUAKE IN CENTRAL COLOMBIA
CENTRAL COLOMBIA REUTERS REPORTED THAT A STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHOOK CENTRAL
COLOMBIA, RATTLING BUILDINGS, SCARING CITIZENS AND CUTTING SOME TELEPHONE
LINKS. INHABITANTS OF BOGOTA RAN OUT OF TALL BUILDINGS INTO THE STREET
IN PANIC. ONE MAN DIED IN NORTHERN BOGOTA WHEN A WALL FELL ON TOP OF
HIM. CRACKS IN OVER 25 BUILDINGS WERE REPORTED IN THE CENTER AND NORTH
OF THE CAPITAL. IN ADDITION, SEVERAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED BY
FRIGHT, ONE BUILDING WAS ON FIRE AND SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF PHONE LINES
WERE CUT. THE QUAKE'S EPICENTER WAS NEAR THE TOWN OF TAURAMENA, 70 MILES
EAST OF BOGOTA. DAMAGE WAS NOT GREATER BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE'S SHORT
DURATION OF ONLY ABOUT 10 SECONDS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/18/95
SC22849
YET ANOTHER AMCIT KIDNAPPED
BOGOTA ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS THAT LEFTIST GUERRILLAS KIDNAPPED AN
AMERICAN CIVIL ENGINEER IN NORTHEAST COLOMBIA. THIS BRINGS TO TEN THE
NUMBER OF AMERICANS BELIEVED TO BE HELD CAPTIVE. EDWARD GRAVOWSKY WAS
ABDUCTED TUESDAY NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE OF EL HATICO 465 MILES NORTHEAST
OF BOGOTA ACCORDING TO SOCOCO, S.A., THE COMPANY FOR WHICH GRAVOWSKY WORKS.
HE WAS SEIZED BY A SPLINTER GROUP OF THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL).
THE EPL WAS DISBANDED IN MARCH 1991, AND ITS FORMER MEMBERS WERE REINSERTED
INTO SOCIETY, BUT A SPLINTER GROUP COMPRISED OF ABOUT 150 INSURGENTS REMAINS
ACTIVE, PARTICULARLY ALONG THE CARIBBEAN COAST IN NORTHERN COLOMBIA. GRAVOWSKI
IS THE FOURTH FOREIGNER KIDNAPPED BY COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS IN THE PAST
FOUR MONTHS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
SC22773
POPE BOYCOTT
COLOMBO REUTERS REPORTED THAT SRI LANKAN BUDDHISTS, ANGERED BY POPE JOHN
PAUL'S REMARKS ON THEIR RELIGION IN HIS RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOK, WILL
GO AHEAD WITH A THREATENED BOYCOTT OF HIS VISIT TO THE ISLAND AND STAGE
A PROTEST. SRI LANKAN POLICE ARE DUE TO LAUNCH A HUGE SECURITY OPERATION
FOR THE POPE'S VISIT WITH BODYCHECKS OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PILGRIMS,
INCLUDING CATHOLIC NUNS. TRAFFIC WILL BE BANNED ON ALL ROADS TO BE USED
BY THE POPE. THE PROTESTS HAVE ARISEN OVER REMARKS IN THE POPE'S BOOK,
WHERE HE DESCRIBED BUDDHISM AS AN "ATHEISTIC SYSTEM."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
SC22792
PARAMILITARY/REBELS AT WAR
CORDOBA AND URABA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTED THAT PARAMILITARY AND GUERRILLA
MEMBERS OF CORDOBA AND URABA HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WILL BE AN ALL-OUT
WAR BETWEEN THE TWO GROUPS NOW. THE "WAR" BEGAN IN ANTIOQUIA'S URABA REGION
AND CORDOBA IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. GUERRILLA FRONTS AND PARAMILITARY GROUPS
HAVE PLACED HAPLESS PEASANTS AND CATTLEMEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CROSSFIRE
WHO HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE LAND DISTRIBUTION MADE BY THE ALLEGED DRUG
TRAFFICKER, FIDEL CASTANO. AS A RESULT OF THE FIGHTING, HUNDREDS OF PEASANTS
FROM NORTHERN URABA, VALENCIA, ARBOLITES, SAN PEDRO, AND TIERRA ADENTRO
HAVE BEGUN TO MIGRATE TO URBAN CENTERS. THE STATE HAS BEEN ASKED TO MEDIATE
THE CONFLICT TO PREVENT A WAR AND THE EXODUS OF PEASANTS.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
SC22798
EXTRADITION REVISITED
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTS THAT PUBLIC DISGUST WITH LIGHT SENTENCES FOR DRUG
TRAFFICKERS IS PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT TO REVIVE
EXTRADITION -- THE PUNISHMENT COCAINE KINGPINS FEAR MOST. EXTRADITION
WAS OUTLAWED IN THE 1991 COLOMBIAN CONSTITUTION AFTER A WAVE OF DRUG TERROR.
IN ITS PLACE, THE GOV'T INTRODUCED A PLEA BARGAINING SYSTEM OFFERING BIG
SENTENCE REDUCTIONS TO DRUG LORDS WHO SURRENDERED. HOWEVER, THE PUBLIC
MOOD HAS CHANGED TO THAT OF REVULSION WITH THE LIGHT SENTENCES IMPOSED
ON TRAFFICKERS AND A FEELING THAT DRUG LORDS HAVE EXPLOITED THE PLEA BARGAINING
SYSTEM BY THREATENING OR BRIBING JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS TO PUNISHMENT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
SC22812
KIDNAPPING--A GROWING INDUSTRY
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT KIDNAPPING HAS BECOME A $350 MILLION DOLLAR
INDUSTRY IN COLOMBIA, WITH FOUR VICTIMS SNATCHED DAILY AND 64 FOREIGNERS
ABDUCTED IN THE PAST 3 YEARS FOR HUGE RANSOMS, ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY
THE ANTI-KIDNAP FREE COUNTRY FOUNDATION. THE FOUNDATION REPORTED THAT
FEWER THAN ONE IN 30 KIDNAPPERS WERE CAUGHT AND SENTENCED OVER THE PAST
3 YEARS BECAUSE OF POOR POLICE WORK AND A WEAK LEGAL SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH
REPORTED KIDNAPPINGS FELL 23 PERCENT BETWEEN 1992 AND 1993, LAST YEAR
THEY SHOT UP MORE THAN A THIRD TO 1,378 ABDUCTIONS. HOWEVER, IT IS ESTIMATED
THAT FEWER THAN HALF THE KIDNAPPINGS THAT ACTUALLY TAKE PLACE ARE REPORTED.
SECURITY FORCES RESCUED ONLY ONE IN 10 OF THE REPORTED KIDNAP VICTIMS
OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND MANY OTHERS WERE MURDERED BY THE KIDNAPPERS,
WHO OFTEN DEMANDED A FEE FROM THE FAMILY TO RETURN THE DEAD BODY.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/17/95
SC22819
"SOCIAL CLEANSING" IN MEDELLIN
MEDELLIN THE US EMBASSY REPORTED ON A NEWS ARTICLE PREPARED BY AP STRINGER
PAUL HAVEN ON MEDELLIN "SOCIAL CLEANSING" OPERATIONS (I.E. EXTRAJUDICIAL
ATTACKS OR ASSASSINATIONS OF "UNDESIREABLE" SOCIAL ELEMENTS SUCH AS PROSTITUTES,
BEGGARS, DRUG ADDICTS, STREET CHILDREN, ETC.). HAVEN CITED UNSPECIFIED
"OFFICIAL STATISTICS" THAT SHOW THAT MEDELLIN (POPULATION 1.7 MILLION)
WITNESSED 5,577 IN MURDERS IN 1994 FOR WHICH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM RESPONDED
WITH ONLY 550 CONVICTIONS. HAVEN ARGUES THAT IN THE FACE OF SUCH JUDICIAL
INEFFICIENCY, THE RISE OF PRIVATE VIGILANTE GROUPS SHOULD NOT COME AS
A SURPRISE. THE GROUPS APPARENTLY TARGET SPECIFIC VICTIMS, SUCH AS CAR
THIEVES, PROSTITUTES, DRUG ADDICTS, ETC. AND THAT THE POLICE AND CIVILIAN
POPULATION LOOK THE OTHER WAY. HAVEN CITES A POLICE SOURCE WHO STATED
THAT THERE IS "MOST CERTAINLY" TACIT POLICE COOPERATION WITH MANY OF THESE
GROUPS, ALTHOUGH WHEN A POLICEMAN IS CAUGHT PARTICIPATING IN SUCH ACTIONS,
HE IS USUALLY BROUGHT BEFORE THE LAW. HAVEN ACCURATELY ASSERTS, HOWEVER,
THAT FEW POLICE ARE EVER SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED FOR "SOCIAL CLEANSING"
CRIMES.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/16/95
SC22771
U.S. WOMAN MISTAKENLY ARRESTED
CALI REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE MAY HAVE MISTAKENLY ARRESTED
U.S. WOMAN ALFREIDA BROWN AND HER COLOMBIAN HUSBAND ON THE SUSPICION THAT
SHE WAS WANTED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING IN THE UNITED STATES. MS BROWN AND
HER HUSBAND WERE ARRESTED DURING AN ARMY/POLICE RAIDON A HOUSE IN A RESIDENTIAL
SUBURB OF CALI. APPARENTLY ALL OF MS. BROWN'S PAPERS WERE IN ORDER AND
THERE IS NO OFFICIAL REQUEST FOR HER EXTRADITION TO THE U.S. IF THE POLICE
EVENTUALLY SET BROWN FREE, THE RAID WILL BECOME THE LATEST BLUNDER COMMITTED
BY THE SPECIAL TEAM IN ITS SEARCH FOR THE LEADERS OF THE CALI CARTEL.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/14/95
SC22818
PARAMILITARY MASSACRES
CESAR AND ANTIOQUIA DEPARTMENTS THE US EMBASSY REPORTED THAT MEMBERS
OF A SELF-DEFENSE GROUP WITH CLAIMED TIES TO REKNOWNED PARAMILITARY LEADER
FIDEL CASTANO, TORTURED AND KILLED 6 PRESUMED GUERRILLAS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY
ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) AFTER DETAINING THEM AT A ROADBLOCK NEAR
NECOCLI, ANTIOQUIA DEPARTMENT. THE CORPSES BORE SIGNS OF EXTREME TORTURE,
SOME OF WHICH WERE DECAPITATED. IN A SEPARATE AND UNRELATED INCIDENT,
7 INDIVIDUALS WERE ABDUCTED FROM A PARTY ON JANUARY 15 IN THE PATINO REGION
OF AGUACHICA (CESAR DEPARTMENT) BY A GROUP OF 20 ARMED AND MASKED MEN
DRESSED IN MILITARY FATIGUES. THE ATTACKERS ARRIVED AT THE PARTY, READ
OFF A LIST OF NAMES AND TOOK THE NINE BY FORCE, WARNING OTHERS NOT TO
FOLLOW. SEVERAL HOURS LATER THE TORTURED AND MUTILATED BODIES OF 7 OF
THE MEN WERE FOUND NEARBY. IT IS BELIEVED THIS LATTER ATTACK WAS CARRIED
OUT BY THE "MACETOS" PARAMILITARY GROUP, WHICH IS REPORTEDLY CENTERED
IN THE SAN MARTIN MUNICIPALITY. THE GROUP, WHICH WAS ACCUSED OF SIMILAR
MASSACRES LAST YEAR, DIRECTS ITS OPERATIONS AGAINST GUERRILLAS AND GUERRILLA
SYMPATHIZERS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/13/95
SC22718
PLOT TO KILL PROSECUTOR
ACCORDING TO SANTA FE DE BOGOTA INRAVISION TELEVISION, THE PROSECUTOR
GENERAL'S OFFICE DISCOVERED A PLOT TO KILL THE PROSECUTOR GENERAL, ALFONSO
VALDIVIESO SARMIENTO. JUAN DIEGO ARCILA HENAO, WHO IS ONE OF ESCOBAR'S
FORMER LIEUTENANTS AND WHO IS CURRENTLY SERVING A PRISON SENTENCE, IS
THE ALLEGED MASTERMIND OF THE PLOT. AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE, HENAO
HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED FROM MODELO PRISON TO EL BARNE PRISON IN THE CITY
OF TUNJA.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/13/95
SC23110
FARC KIDNAP MASTERMIND NABBED
BOGOTA EL TIEMPO REPORTED THAT SECURITY FORCES CAPTURED THE COMMANDER
OF 22ND FRONT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) IN
NORTHWESTERN BOGOTA. THE 22 FARC FRONT IS COMPRISED OF OVER 100 REBELS
IN THE CUNDINAMARCA DEPART- MENT. MORE IMPORTANTLY, TRUJILLO IS BELIEVED
TO BE THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE MAJORITY OF THE FARC KIDNAPPINGS THAT
OCCUR IN CUNDINAMARCA. TRUJILLO WAS APPARENTLY ON LEAVE IN BOGOTA WHERE
HE WAS REPORTEDLY GATHERING INTELLIGENCE TO CONDUCT MORE KIDNAPPINGS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/11/95
SC22651
AIRLINER EXPLODES IN MID-AIR
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT 51 PEOPLE WERE FEARED DEAD AFTER A DC-9
JET BELONGING TO DOMESTIC CARRIER INTERCONTINENTAL DE AVIACION EXPLODED
IN MID-AIR AND PLUNGED INTO A SWAMPY MARSH. THE PLANE WAS ON A DOMESTIC
FLIGHT FROM BOGOTA TO CARTAGENA WHEN IT LOST RADIO CONTACT AND CRASHED
ONLY MINUTES BEFORE LANDING. MORE THAN 400 POLICE, SOLDIERS, RED CROSS
WORKERS AND OTHERS COMBED THE CRASH SITE. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE WORD
AS TO WHY THE PLANE MIGHT HAVE CRASHED WHEN THE CREW GAVE NO HINT OF ANY
PROBLEMS IN THEIR LAST RADIO CONTACT.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/08/95
SC22563
COCA GROWERS RENEW PROTEST
PUTUMAYO, COLOMBIA REUTERS REPORTS THAT COCA GROWERS HAVE RENEWED THEIR
PROTEST AGIANST GOVERNMENT PLANS TO DESTROY THEIR ILLEGAL CROPS IN PUTUMAYO
BY SETTING FIRE TO AN OIL PUMPING STATION DESPITE THE ARRIVAL OF A GOVERNMENT
MISSION TO DISCUSS THEIR DEMANDS. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE RETURNED TO SURROUND
THE EIGHT OIL PUMPING STATIONS TO PROTEST AGAINST THE ARRIVAL OF MORE
SOLDIERS IN THE AREA. THE PROTEST HAS THUS FAR COST ECOPETROL THOUSANDS
OF BARRELS OF LOST PRODUCTION, AND ABOUT $2.5 MILLION IN DAMAGES.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/08/95
SC22564
FARC SHOOTS DOWN GOV'T HELO
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN MARXIST GUERRILLAS SHOT DOWN A POLICE
HELICOPTER AS IT ESCORTED FUMIGATION PLANES FLYING OVER COCA PLANTATIONS.
THE PLANES WERE SPRAYING NEAR PUTUMAYO, SCENE OF RECENT PROTESTS AGAINST
GOVERNMENT ERADICATION EFFORTS. MILITARY AUTHORITIES SUSPECT MEMBERS OF
THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) SHOT ONE OF TWO HELICOPTERS
DOWN WITH MACHINEGUN FIRE EARLY ON SUNDAY AS THEY ACCOMPANIED PLANES SPRAYING
PLANTATIONS IN THE WITH DESTRUCTIVE HERBICIDE. GUERRILLAS OFTEN COLLABORATE
WITH DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO PROTECT DRUG PLANTATIONS AND PROCESSING LABS
HIDDEN DEEP IN THE JUNGLE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/08/95
SC22565
GUERRILLAS STAGE JAILBREAK
MOCOA, COLOMBIA REUTERS REPORTED THAT 50 FARC GUERRILLAS DISGUISED AS
MILITARY INSPECTORS OVERPOWERED THE THREE GUARDS AT THE MUNICIPAL PRISON
IN MOCOA AND SET 93 PRISONERS FREE. MOCOA IS LOCATED 185 MILES SOUTHWEST
OF BOGOTA. AT LEAST ONE OF THE ESCAPEES WAS A FARC GUERRILLA CHARGED
WITH SETTING FIRE TO THE FUEL TANKS AT THE COLOMBIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE
SITE IN CURUYACO. NO SHOTS WERE FIRED.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/05/95
SC22481
TENSION IN PUTUMAYO INCREASES
PUTUMAYO, COLOMBIA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA ANNOUNCED THAT THE PUBLIC ORDER
SITUATION IN PUTUMAYO REMAINS TENSE. DEMONSTRATORS OPPOSED TO HERBICIDE
SPRAYINGS SEIZED SEVEN OF OF EIGHT ECOPETROL FUEL TANKS IN THE AREA; HOWEVER
THE ARMY HAS BEEN ABLE TO SEIZE CONTROL OF FIVE OF THE TANKS, LEAVING
TWO IN THE HANDS OF THE PROTESTORS. WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPRESSIVE
ACTIONS BY THE MILITARY, THE ARMY HAS BEEN DEPLOYED TO CRITICAL POINTS
TO PREVENT PUBLIC DISTURBANCES. THE STRIKERS HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO BLOCK
TRAFFIC, PREVENTING TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES FROM PASSING IN SEVERAL PLACES
IN PUTUMAYO. THE ARMY STATED ITS GOAL IS TO ENTIRELY ERADICATE ILLEGAL
CROPS WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 24 MONTHS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/05/95
SC22498
PUTUMAYO-OIL TANKS ABLAZE
PUTUMAYO, COLOMBIA - NEAR THE ECUADORIAN BORDER REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN
COCA GROWERS HAVE SET TWO OIL STORAGE TANKS ON FIRE TO PROTEST AGAINST
GOVERNMENT PLANS TO TO DESTROY THEIR ILLEGAL CROPS. THE DEMONSTRATORS
THREW FIRE BOMBS AT THE TANKS WHEN NEWLY DEPLOYED SOLDIERS TRIED TO BREAK
UP THEIR OCCUPATION OF A PUMPING STATION AT ONE OF EIGHT OIL FIELDS IN
THE AREA. SOLDIERS ORDERED INTO THE AREA HAVE CHARGED WITH RESTORING ORDER
TO ALLOW THE STATE OIL COMPANY ECOPETROL TO RENEW OPERATIONS AT THE FIELDS,
310 MILES SOUTH OF BOGOTA. THE PROTESTERS ARE DEMANDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT
SUSPEND PLANS TO FUMIGATE COCA CROPS IN THE AREA. COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT
OFFICIALS ARE UNDER HEAVY PRESSURE FROM THE U.S. TO PRODUCE RESULTS IN
ITS FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING, HAS NOT BEEN FUMIGATING IN PUTUMAYO
FOR SOME TIME BUT INTENDS TO BEGIN ANEW. THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONFIRMED
THAT UNTIL THE DEMONSTRATORS SUSPEND THEIR PROTESTS, TALKS WILL NOT BE HELD.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/03/95
SC22427
PUTUMAYO PEASANTS PROTEST
PUTUMAYO SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT THE ARMY IS POISED TO ENTER
PUTUMAYO AREAS OCCUPIED BY DEMONSTRATORS WHO ARE DEMANDING A SUSPENSION
OF THE SPRAYING OF HERBICIDE ON ILLEGAL COCA CROPS. MORE THAN 2000 PEASANTS
ABANDONED THEIR PLOTS AND TOOK OVER SEVERAL VILLAGES. ACCORDING TO MILITARY
SOURCES, THE PEASANTS ARE FINANCED BY DRUG TRAFFICKERS AND GUERRILLAS
HAVE THREATENED THEM INTO PROTESTING. THOSE WHO REFUSE TO TAKE PART RECEIVE
DEATH THREATS. DEMONSTRATORS HAVE ALSO SET UP PICKETS IN ECOPETROL'S (COLOMBIAN
PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE) SOUTHERN DISTRICT, PREVENTING CRUDE OIL FROM BEING
PUMPED THROUGH THE TRANS-ANDEAN PIPELINE. ECOPETROL HAS LOST MILLIONS
FROM BEING PREVENTED FROM PUMPING AT LEAST 5000 BARRELS OF OIL A DAY.
BUSINESSES ARE AT A COMPLETE STANDSTILL AND FOOD IS BECOMING SCARCE. PEASANTS
ARE IN FEAR OF RETURNING TO THEIR HOMES, APPARENTLY BECAUSE OF THREATS
BY GUERRILLAS AND GROUPS OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS WHO CULTIVATE COCA IN THE AREA.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
12/25/94
SC22889
US EMBASSY GETS FARC XMAS CARD
BOGOTA THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT THE EMBASSY WAS ON THE CHRISTMAS
CARD LIST OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) LAST YEAR.
THE U.S. MISSION RECEIVED A HALLMARK QUALITY CARD (ADDRESSED TO THE MEN
AND WOMEN OF THE U.S. EMBASSY) THAT CALLED FOR THE NEED FOR A "NATIONAL
RECONCILIATION THAT RECOGNIZED HUMAN RIGHTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THE SOVEREIGNTY
OF THE NATION." THE CARD WAS SIGNED BY THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT OF THE
FARC-EP. THERE WAS NO GIFT WITH THE CARD.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
12/20/94
SC22201
U.S. JURY CONVICTS NARCO HOOD
NEW YORK REUTERS REPORTED THAT A U.S. FEDERAL JURY CONVICTED COLOMBIAN
DRUG CARTEL HITMAN DANDENNY MUNOZ-MOSQUERA IN THE 1989 BOMBING OF AN AVIANCA
AIRLINER THAT KILLED 107 PEOPLE. THIRTEEN COUNTS OF GUILTY WERE READ
AGAINST MUNOZ, WHO WAS AN EXPLOSIVES EXPERT FOR THE MEDELLIN CARTEL.
HE FACES A MAXIMUM OF LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE WHEN HE IS SENTENCED
ON MARCH 3. THE U.S. HAS CLAIMED JURISDICTION IN THE CASE BECAUSE TWO
U.S. NATIONALS WERE KILLED IN THE EXPLOSION.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
12/13/94
SC22088
TWO BOMBS EXPLODE IN BOGOTA
BOGOTA MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTED THAT BOGOTA POLICE HAVE GONE ON ALERT
AFTER THE EXPLOSION OF TWO MEDIUM-INTENSITY BOMBS. THE POLICE ARE ALSO
PREPARING FOR A TRANSPORTATION STRIKE THAT IS SET TO BEGIN DURING THE
EARLY MORNING HOURS OF DECEMBER 14. GUERRILLAS WERE MOST LIKELY RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE BOMBINGS, ONE OF WHICH WAS TARGETED AGAINST A TRAFFIC UNIT AND
THE OTHER AGAINST A SMALL URBAN POLICE STATION. MODERATE PROPERTY DAMAGE
WAS REPORTED BUT NO INJURIES. ANOTHER DEVICE WAS REPORTEDLY DEFUSED NEAR
A TRANSPORTATION UNION FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
12/06/94
SC21919
KILLING STATISTICS
NATIONWIDE REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE HEAD OF THE ANDEAN COMMISSION OF
JURISTS ADVISED THAT GOVERNMENT SOLDIERS, MARXIST GUERRILLAS AND RIGHT-WING
PARAMILITARY GROUPS HAVE KILLED NEARLY 2000 PEOPLE THIS YEAR, GIVING COLOMBIA
ONE OF THE HIGHEST POLITICAL MURDER RATES IN THE WORLD. THE NUMBERS TRANSLATE
INTO FIVE KILLINGS A DAY AND ONE TORTURE EVERY TWO DAYS FOR POLITICAL
REASONS. THE COMMISSION CITED, AS AN EXAMPLE, AN INCIDENT LAST MARCH IN
WHICH THE VI ARMY BRIGADE SHOT AND KILLED AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY NEAR HIS
HOUSE IN CENTRAL TOLIMA PROVINCE. THE TROOPS KEPT SHOOTING AT THE BOY
TO PREVENT HIS MOTHER FROM HELPING HIM AND LATER ARRESTED HIS FATHER,
ACCUSING HIM OF BEING A GUERRILLA. PRESIDENT SAMPER HAS OFFERED TO NEGOTIATE
PEACE WITH COLOMBIA'S GUERRILLAS, HAS INTRODUCED A HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION
PROGRAM FOR THE ARMY AND POLICE, AND ENCOURAGED CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL
OF PROTOCOL II OF THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS WHICH OBLIGES COMBATANTS TO RESPECT
BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS. THE COMMISSION WAS ENCOURAGED BY SAMPER'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
THAT SECURITY FORCES ABUSED HUMAN RIGHTS, AND SAID THE MOVE "SETS A PRECEDENT.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
12/05/94
SC21889
ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORTS
ACCORDING TO SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTING, THE U.S. HAS AGREED TO BEGIN
SHARING REAL-TIME RADAR INTELLIGENCE WITH THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT AGAIN.
TWO RADARS IN SOUTHERN COLOMBIA WHICH ARE USED TO DETECT DRUG TRAFFICKER
AIRCRAFT ARE TO BE REACTIVATED WITHIN THE WEEK. THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT
STATED THAT IT DOES PLAN TO OPEN FIRE ON ANY AIRCRAFT WHICH REFUSES TO
ANSWER IDENTIFICATION CALLS OR WHICH APPEARS HOSTILE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
12/01/94
SC21793
ROLLERSKATING CHAMPION KILLED
MEDELLIN REUTERS REPORTED THAT TWO-TIME WORLD ROLLERSKATING CHAMPION
GUILLERMO LEON BOTERO NARANJO WAS SHOT DEAD BY UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN IN
MEDELLIN. LEON BOTERO WAS WALKING WITH HIS MOTHER IN A PARK WHEN HE WAS
SHOT 3 TIMES BY GUNMEN RIDING TOGETHER ON A MOTORCYCLE. THE TWO ASSAILANTS
WERE LATER CAPTURED AFTER THEY CRASHED THEIR MOTORCYCLE AFTER TRYING TO
FLEE FROM THE SCENE. ONE OF THE GUNMEN HAD A PIECE OF PAPER IN HIS POCKET
WITH THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF LEON BOTERO. THE MOTIVE FOR THE ATTACK IS
STILL UNKNOWN.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
11/27/94
SC21697
GUERRILLAS SET OFF SEVEN BOMBS
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA MEXICO CITY NOTIMEX REPORTS THAT AT LEAST SEVEN MEDIUM-INTENSITY
BOMBS WERE DETONATED EARLY THIS MORNING IN THE CITY OF SANTA FE DE BOGOTA
BY SUSPECTED URBAN GUERRILLAS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTED INJURIES, BUT
THERE HAS BEEN PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE EXPLOSIONS ALL TOOK PLACE AROUND 6:00
AM AND DESTROYED WINDOWS IN A DOZEN STORES IN DOWNTOWN, EASTERN, AND NORTHERN
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA. POLICE STATE THAT THE BOMBS ARE THE WORK OF COLOMBIAN
GUERRILLAS LOOKING TO "GRAB ATTENTION" DURING THE PEACE NEGOCIATIONS.
SEVEN SUSPECTS WERE CAPTURED IN A SECURITY DRAGNET THROUGH NEIGBORHOODS
AFFECTED BY THE BOMBS. POLICE STATE THAT THESE ARE REVENGE BOMBINGS BY
ELN URBAN CELLS AGAINST CERTAIN DRUGSTORE OWNERS. THE OWNERS APPEAR TO
HAVE BEEN THREATENED WITH EXTORTION BY THE GUERRILLA GROUP AND REFUSED
TO COOPERATE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
11/13/94
SC21408
LOCAL LIONS CLUB HEAD ABDUCTED
FLORIDA REUTERS REPORTED THAT GUNMEN KIDNAPPED MIGUEL SANDOVAL, A LIONS
CLUB REPRESENTATIVE, AND ALFONSO LIZARAZO, A COMEDY HOST OF A WEEKLY TELEVISION
SHOW. THE TWO MEN WERE DRIVING WITH THEIR ASSISTANTS TO CALI AFTER HOLDING
A FUND-RAISING EVENT IN FLORIDA WHERE THEY WERE FORCED TO STOP AT A ROADBLOCK
AND TAKEN HOSTAGE. REBELS FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA
(FARC) ARE KNOWN TO OPERATE IN THE AREA.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
11/13/94
SC21416
POLICE FEND OFF FARC ATTACK
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN RIGHT-WING PARAMILITARIES FOUGHT
ALONGSIDE A SMALL GROUP OF POLICE OFFICERS TO REPEL A LEFTIST GUERRILLA
OFFENSIVE ON A NORTHWESTERN TOWN IN WHICH 21 PEOPLE DIED. POLICE AND PARAMILITARIES
EXCHANGED GUNFIRE WITH THE GUERRILLAS FOR ABOUT FIVE HOURS ON SATURDAY
IN SAN PEDRO DE URABA BEFORE FORCING THEM TO RETREAT WITH THEIR WOUNDED
INTO THE NEARBY MOUNTAINS. THE BATTLE ALSO LEFT THREE PEOPLE WOUNDED AND
CAUSED DAMAGES TO THE BANK, TOWN HALL AND POLICE STATION. MORE THAN 200
MEMBERS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) HAD TRIED
TO TAKE OVER THE TOWN, ABOUT 275 MILES NORTHWEST OF BOGOTA IN ANTIOQUIA
PROVINCE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
11/02/94
SC21190
REBELS AMBUSH POLICE/STUDENTS
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT SUSPECTED MARXIST GUERRILLAS AMBUSHED A POLICE
CARAVAN AND A SCHOOL BUS IN SOUTHWESTERN COLOMBIA EARLY WEDNESDAY, KILLING
11 POLICE OFFICERS AND ONE STUDENT. THE REBELS ATTACKED THREE POLICE VEHICLES
AND A SCHOOL BUS WITH GRENADES AND MACHINE GUNS ALONG A ROAD NEAR THE
MUNICIPALITY OF PURAC, ABOUT 200 MILES SOUTHWEST OF BOGOTA. THE VEHICLES
WERE CARRYING ABOUT 40 POLICE OFFICERS, WHILE THE BUS WAS BRINGING A GROUP
OF STUDENTS TO A NEARBY VOLCANO ON AN EXCURSION. REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES
OF COLOMBIA (FARC) WHO OPERATE IN CAUCA PROVINCE, WERE BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE ATTACK.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/30/94
SC21113
KINGPIN DISCUSSES SURRENDER
CALI/NEW YORK REUTER REPORTS THAT A CALI DRUG KINGPIN, WHO REPORTEDLY
EXPORTS 700 TONS OF COCAINE A YEAR FROM COLOMBIA, HAS TOLD TIME MAGAZINE
THE TERMS UNDER WHICH HE WOULD SURRENDER; HOWEVER, THE DEAL COULD STRAIN
U.S./COLOMBIA RELATIONS. GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ ORJUELA, CHEIF OF THE CALI
CARTEL, TOLD TIME THAT HIS PLAN INCLUDES THE SURRENDER OF HIS BOTHER AND
OTHERS TO COLOMBIAN AUTHORITIES AND DISMANTLING OF THEIR TRAFFICKING OPERATIONS,
WHICH HE ESTIMATES COULD CUT THE FLOW OF COCAINE TO U.S. CITIES BY 60
PERCENT. IF COLOMBIAN AUTHORITIES ACCEPT THE DETAILS OF THE OFFER, THE
DRUG LORDS WOULD WALK AWAY WITH LITTLE JAIL TIME AND THEIR FORTUNES INTACT.
RODRIGUEZ TOLD TIME THAT HE WOULD SUBMIT ONLY TO COLOMBIAN LAWS OFFERING
LENIENCY TO DRUG KINGPINS WHO GIVE UP AND PROTECTION FROM EXTRADITION
TO THE U.S., WHERE HE FACES CHARGES OF DRUG DEALING AND THREATENING A
U.S. DEA AGENT WITH DEATH.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/30/94
SC21119
MUNICIPAL ELECTION VIOLENCE
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT COLOMBIANS VOTED FOR MORE THAN 12,500 MAYORS,
COUNCILLORS AND GOVERNORS IN RELATIVE PEACE ON SUNDAY DESPITE A GUERRILLA
ATTACK ON A POLICE PATROL AND THE BURNING OF TWO BUSES. THE GOVERNMENT
WAS SATISFIES WITH THE RELATIVE CALM; HOWEVER, THERE WERE A FEW INCIDENTS:
--FARC ATTACKED A POLICE PATROL WOUNDING 3 POLICE AND 3 CIVILIANS, RISARALDA
--FARC SET FIRE TO A BUS IN NORTHERN CESAR PROVINCE AND ANOTHER IN THE
MIDDLE MAGDALENA RIVER VALLEY. THE WORST PRE-ELECTION VIOLENCE OCCURRED
IN THE NOTHERWESTERN PROVINCE OF SANTANDER IN WHICH 10 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECOGNISED THAT GUERRILLAS, RIGHT-WING PARAMILITARIES
AND DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAVE BEEN INTERFERING IN SOME ELECTIONS BY SUPPORTING
FAVORED CANDIDATES AND INTIMIDATING OPPONENTS. ALTHOUHG IT HAS ADMITTED
THAT IT COULD DO LITTLE IN MOST CASED FOR LACK OF EVIDENCE, THE GOVERNMENT
HAS CANCELLED ELECTIONS IN NINE MUNICIPALITIES, INCLUDING CHITA IN CENTRAL
BOYACA PROVINCE, FOLLOWING THE ASSASSINATION OF SEVEN CANDIDATES.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
SC20964
TRAVEL WARNING
SEE THE PUBLIC STATEMENTS/TRAVEL ADVISORIES SECTION OF THE EBB FOR A
NEW TRAVEL WARNING ON COLOMBIA.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
SC20965
ELN KIDNAP CHIEF CAPTURED
SAN ANTONIO DEL TACHIRA THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT ACCORDING TO THE
MEDIA, THE VENEZUELAN NATIONAL GUARD, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE COLOMBIAN
DAS (FBI EQUIVALENT), RECENTLY CAPTURED JOSE ISAAC MONCADA, THE NATIONAL
LIBERATION ARMY'S (ELN) CHIEF OF KIDNAPPING IN THE BORDER TOWN OF SAN
ANTONIO DEL TACHIRA. ELSEWHERE, THE COLOMBIAN ARMY CAPTURED THE SECOND-IN-COMMAND
OF THE DISSIDENT POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL-D), GUILLERMO ECHAVARRIA
YEPES, IN TURBO, ANTIOQUIA DEPARTMENT. DSS/ITA COMMENT: WHILE THE APPARENT
CAPTURE OF THE ELN'S KIDNAP CHIEF IS PRAISEWORTHY, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT
KIDNAPPINGS WILL TAPER OFF SIGNIFICANTLY. THE ELN HAS PLENTY MORE CAPABLE
GUERRILLAS TO PICK UP WHERE ISAAC MONCADA LEFT OFF.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
SC20966
MORE SECURITY SUCCESSES
THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE DISCOVERED AND DISMANTLED
12 DYNAMITE STICK BOMBS PLACED UNDER THE SALGUERO BRIDGE BETWEEN VALLEDUPAR
AND LA PAZ, CESAR DEPARTMENT, ON OCTOBER 23. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE ELN
GUERRILLAS OPERATING IN THE AREA LIKELY MEANT TO BLOW UP THE BRIDGE WHEN
AN ARMY PATROL WOULD BE TRAVELING ON IT. THE POLICE ALSO DISCOVERED A
FARC ARMS CACHE IN VILLAVICENCIO, META DEPARTMENT, ON OCTOBER 20. THE
FARC MAY HAVE BEEN PLANNING TO AMBUSH ARMY TROOPS AS WELL AS ATTACK VARIOUS
POLICE SUBSTATIONS IN VILLAVICENCIO. FINALLY, COLOMBIAN TROOPS UNCOVERED
AND DISMANTLED FOUR LARGE ELN CAMPS (WITH A TOTAL PERSONNEL CAPACITY OF
500) IN A RAIN FOREST BETWEEN ANTIOQUIA AND BOLIVAR DEPARTMENTS IN LATE
SEPTEMBER-EARLY OCTOBER.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/25/94
SC20990
ESCOBAR AIDE GETS FIVE YEARS
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED A COLOMBIAN JUDGE SENTENCED A FORMER MEMBER OF
THE MEDELLIN DRUG CARTEL TO FIVE YEARS AND FIVE MONTHS IN PRISON FOR DRUG
TRAFFICKING ON TUESDAY. THE FORMER CHIEF OF THE MILITARY WING OF DECEASED
DRUG LORD PABLO ESCOBAR'S ORGANIZATION IS BEING HELD IN A MAXIMUM SECURITY
PRISON NEAR MEDELLIN. HE STILL FACES CHARGES OF TERRORISM, ILLEGAL POSSESSION
OF ARMS, AND ESCAPE FROM PRISON.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/24/94
SC20969
EXECUTION-STYLE MURDERS
MEDELLIN REUTERS REPORTED THAT FIVE MEN DRESSED IN BLACK AND ARMED WITH
AUTOMATIC PISTOLS AND SUBMACHINE GUNS FATALLY SHOT 10 YOUTHS (AGE 14-20)
EXECUTION- STYLE IN A POOR NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR MEDELLIN. THE GUNMEN FORCED
THE YOUTHS TO LIE FACE DOWN ON THE GROUND AND SHOT THEM. SHOOTINGS ARE
COMMON AMONG RIVAL STREET GANGS, URBAN GUERRILLA CELLS AND VIGILANTE GROUPS
IN THE AREA. POLICE, HOWEVER, STATED THAT THE YOUTHS DID NOT BELONG TO
ANY STREET GANG OR OTHER CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/24/94
SC20972
FARC REBELS AMBUSH 9 POLICEMEN
RIOSUCIO REUTERS REPORTED THAT MARXIST GUERRILLAS BELONGING TO THE REVOLUTIONARY
ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) ATTACKED A GROUP OF POLICE OFFICERS TRAVELING
BY BOAT ALONG THE ATRATO RIVER, 275 MILES NORTHWEST OF BOGOTA. THE POLICE
OFFICERS WERE GOING TO INVESTIGATE A REPORTED MURDER ON MONDAY AFTERNOON
WHEN THEY WERE AMBUSHED. THE FARC IS KNOWN TO OPERATE IN CHOCO PROVINCE
ON THE PACIFIC COAST NEAR THE DARIEN GAP.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/22/94
SC20933
U.S. MORMON CHAPELS BOMBED
NEIVA HAMBURG DPA REPORTED THAT SUSPECTED COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS BOMBED
TWO U.S. MORMON CHAPELS IN NEIVA. NO INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE REGARDING
ANY INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/21/94
SC20893
GUNMEN KILL INDIAN LEADER
SAN ANDRES SOTAVENTO REUTERS REPORTED THAT UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN SHOT DEAD
ARNULFO AYALA CARPIO, A MAJOR INDIAN LEADER, ON THE ZENU INDIAN RESERVE
OF SAN ANDRES SOTAVENTO (290 MILES NW OF BOGOTA), THE SAME RESERVE WHERE
FOUR LEADERS WERE KILLED SEVEN MONTHS BEFORE. THE SHOOTING OCCURRED SOON
AFTER THE ARREST OF A SUSPECT IN THE MARCH KILLINGS OF THE FOUR OTHER
ZENU LEADERS. NEARLY 80 INDIAN LEADERS HAVE BEEN ASSASSINATED IN THE
LAST FOUR YEARS. THE SUSPECTED CULPRITS ARE RIGHT-WING PARAMILITARIES
AND OTHER ARMED GROUPS WHO ARE TRYING TO SEIZE INDIAN LAND THROUGH THREATS
AND INTIMIDATION.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/21/94
SC20895
104 CORRUPT POLICEMEN FIRED
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT HAS DISMISSED 104
POLICE OFFICERS FOR COLLABORATING WITH DRUG TRAFFICKERS, IN ONE OF THE
BIGGEST SCANDALS EVER TO ROCK THE COUNTRY'S POLICE DEPARTMENT. THIRTY
OFFICERS WERE DISCHARGED FOR HELPING DRUG SMUGGLERS PASS UNDETECTED THROUGH
SECURITY ONTO FLIGHTS ABROAD AT THE CAPITAL'S INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. ANOTHER
74 OFFICERS WERE FIRED FOR ALLEGEDLY RECEIVING BRIBES FROM THE CALI CARTEL
FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO THE DRUG LORDS ABOUT A SPECIAL POLICE TEAM
THAT WAS COMBATTING THE CARTEL.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/21/94
SC20898
MARKET BOMBED IN BOGOTA
BOGOTA PARIS AFP REPORTED THAT A MEDIUM-INTENSITY BOMB EXPLODED DURING
THE EVENING AT A SUPERMARKET IN SOUTHERN BOGOTA, INJURING ONE PERSON AND
CAUSING CONSIDERABLE PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE BOMB APPARENTLY DAMAGED THE
SUPERMARKET'S WINDOWS AND FACADE. OTHER STORES NEXT DOOR ALSO SUSTAINED
CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. THE DEVICE WAS PROBABLY DETONATED BY COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS
IN PROTEST OF THE UPCOMING GUBERNATORIAL AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ON OCTOBER
30.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/20/94
SC20861
POLICE VAN AMBUSHED IN DRIVEBY
COLOMBIA REUTERS REPORTED THAT A POLICE VAN CARRYING POLICE INFORMERS
WAS AMBUSHED BY UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN OUTSIDE OF MEDELLIN IN A DRIVE-BY
SHOOTING. THREE PASSENGERS WERE KILLED IN THE SHOOTING, INCLUDING TWO
POLICE INFORMERS AND A POLICE INSPECTOR. POLICE BELIEVE THE INFORMERS
WERE THE INTENDED TARGET OF THE ATTACK.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/19/94
SC20833
BOMBING IN CUCUTA
CUCUTA BOGOTA TELEVISION REPORTED THAT A BOMB EXPLODED IN CUCUTA NEAR
THE VEHICLE FORMER SENATOR FELIX SALCEDO GUALDION. SALCEDO GUALDION WAS
WOUNDED, ALONG WITH HIS 3 BODYGUARDS AND A WOMAN WHO WAS PASSING BY THE SITE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/16/94
SC20788
EX-PRES. CANDIDATE KIDNAPPED
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT A FORMER COLOMBIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
WHO HAD VOWED TO CLEAN UP CORRUPTION WITH THE HELP OF HER SPIRITUAL POWERS
HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED BY MARXIST GUERRILLAS. POLICE SAID FORMER SENATOR REGINA
BETANCOURT DE LISKA WAS TAKEN HOSTAGE LATE ON STAURDAY BY ARMED MEN IN
MILITARY UNIFORMS AT HER RANCH NEAR THE CITY OF CALI. THE GUERRILLAS TOLD
BETANCOURT'S DAUGHTER THEY WOULD RELEASE HER MOTHER WITH A MESSAGE FOR
THE GOVERNMENT REGARDING ITS OFFER TO NEGOTIATE A PEACE AGREEMENT. BETANCOURT
IS A NOTED WITCH....AND FOUNDER OF THE POLITICAL PARTY METAPOLITICAL UNITARIAN
MOVEMENT. COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS OFTEN TADE POLITICIANS HOSTAGE TO USE THEM
AS MESSENGERS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/16/94
SC20839
BANK ROBBERS STEAL $30 MILLION
VALLEDUPAR, NORTHERN COLOMBIA REUTERS REPORTED THAT ROBBERS STOLE $30
MILLION IN PESO CURRENCY FROM A BRANCH OF COLOMBIA'S CENTRAL BANK IN ONE
OF THE BIGGEST ROBBERIES IN THE COUNTRY'S HISTORY. BUT MORE THAN HALF
THE LOOT--SOME 18.5 BILLION PESOS-- IS IN CRISP NEW BILLS OF VARIOUS DENOMINATIONS
THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN ISSUED AND ARE CONSIDERED TO BE WORTHLESS. POLICE
SAID A GROUP OF ARMED MEN ENTERED THE BRANCH IN NORTHERN COLOMBIA LAST
WEEKEND, TIED UP THE GUARDS, KNOCKED OUT THE SECURITY SYSTEM OF ALARMS
AND CLOSED-CIRCUIT CAMERAS AND BROKE INTO THE SAFE USING AN ACETYLENE
TORCH. THE ROBBERY, WHICH OCCURRED IN VALLEDUPAR (435 MILES NORTH OF
BOGOTA), MAY HAVE BEEN AN INSIDE JOB, ACCORDING TO POLICE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/15/94
SC20769
ELECTIONS MAY BE CANCELLED
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT DEFENSE MINISTER BOTERO STATED THAT THE
GOVERNMENT HAS FOUND EVEDENCE THAT SOME COANDIDATES IN UPCOMING MUNICIPAL
ELECTIONS WERE BEING FINANCED BY DRUG-TRAFFICKERS WHO WANTED TO WIN POWER
AT THE LOCAL LEVEL TRAFFICKERS HAVE ORGANISED A PLAN TO WIN CONTROL OF
A STRING OF TOWNS IN SIX PROVINCES THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE MAGDALENA RIVER
VALLEY, A CENTER OF DRUG ACTIVITY. PRESIDENT SAMPER STATED HE WOULD CANCEL
THE RESULTS OF ANY ELECTION IF IT WERE PROVEN THAT DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAD
MEDDLED IN THE CAMPAIGN. COLOMBIA ELECTS PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS, MAYORS
AND TOWN AND CITY COUNCILLORS ON OCTOBER 30.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/12/94
SC20899
FARC REBELS ARRESTED IN BOGOTA
BOGOTA THE U.S. EMBASSY REPORTED THAT, ACCORDING TO EL TIEMPO NEWSPAPER,
POLICE CAPTURED TWO SUSPECTED LEADERS OF THE FARC'S URBAN MILITIA (MILITIAS
BOLIVARIANAS) IN BOGOTA. THE "JAIME BATEMAN CAYON" MILITIA HAD APPARENTLY
INITIATED OPERAITONS IN BOGOTA BY DISTRIBUTING MESSAGES DIRECTED AGAINST
THE INHABITANTS OF THE SLUMS IN SOUTH BOGOTA. THE MESSAGES ANNOUNCED THE
CREATION OF SECURITY BRIGADES WHERE EACH CITY BLOCK WOULD SELECT COMMUNITY
SECURITY GUARDS. IN THE ARREST, POLICE CONFISCATED TWO HAND GRENADES,
FIVE REVOLVERS, ONE PISTOL, THREE SHOTGUNS, 145 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION,
AND POLICE AND ARMY UNIFORMS ALONG WITH TWO RADIOS. MILITIA SEALS, FARC
AND ELN PAMPHLETS, AND NUMEROUS EXTORTIONIST LETTERS DIRECTED AGAINST
BUSINESSES IN SOUTH BOGOTA. IN A RELATED INCIDENT, POLICE DETAINED TWO
INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE RECRUITING NEW PERSONNEL FOR THE MILITIA BOLIVARIANAS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/09/94
SC20647
REBELS ATTACK-BUT TALK PEACE?
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN MARXIST GUERRILLAS ATTACKED SIX
POLICE POSTS AND WOUDED THREE OFFICERS IN BOGOTA HHHHOURS BEFORE ONE OF
THEIR LEDERS SAID THEY WERE INTERESTED IN A GOVERNMENT OFFER TO NEGOTIATE
PEACE. THE ELN ATTACKED THE POSTS WITH GRENADES AND MACHINE-GUNS IN SIX
POOR NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGHOUT WESTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN BOGOTA. THREE OFFICIERS
WERE WOUNDED IN THE ATTACKS AND ONE GUERRILLA DIED WHEN A GRENADE EXPLODED
IN HIS HAND. FARC ALSO ATTACKED A POLICE POST IN THE NEARBY TOWN OF SOACHA.
THE ATTACKS CAME SHORTLY BEFORE AN INTERVIEW OF MANUEL PEREZ, LEADER OF
THE ELN, WHO STATED THEY WERE INTERESTED IN INITIATING PEACE TALKS WITH
THE GOVERNMENT AND NEGOCIATE AN END TO THEIR 30 YEAR STRUGGLE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/09/94
SC20648
GUNMAN KILLS JOURNALIST
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT A LONE GUNMAN SHOT TO DEATH A COLOMBIAN JOURNALIST
AS HE WAS DRINKING AT A PUB IN BOGOTA. IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PLANNED
MURDER, AN UNIDENTIFIED MAN APPROACHED ORLANDO VILLAR JIMENEZ AND SHOT
HIM, KILLING HIM INSTANTLY. THE GUNMAN THEN FLED TO A WAITING TAXI. VILLAR
HAD WARKED AS A PRESS RELATIONS OFFICER IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF
LIBERAL CANIDATE ERNESTO SAMPER, NOW PRESIDENT. MORE THAN 100 JOURNALISTS
HAVE BEEN KILLED IN COLOMBIA SINCE 1977. DRUG TRAFFICKERS, GUERRILLAS
AND PARAMILITARIES HAVE BEEN BLAMED IN MOST CASES.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
10/03/94
SC20494
ESCOBAR BROTHER TARGETED AGAIN
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT HAS BEGUN AN INVESTIGATION
INTO A SECOND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST ROBERTO ESCOBAR, THE BROTHER
OF DECEASED DRUG LORD PABLO ESCOBAR. ACCORDING TO ROBERTO, SOMEONE TRIED
TO SHOOT HIM AS HE WALKED OUT ONTO A PATIO AT THE ITAGUI PRISON. LAST
DECEMBER, ROBERTO ESCOBAR WAS LEFT PARTIALLY DEAF AND BLIND AFTER A LETTER
BOMB EXPLODED IN HIS FACE, AN ACT HE BLAMED ON THE CALI CARTEL.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/29/94
SC20415
"THIS IS A NARCO-DEMOCRACY.."
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT A DAY AFTER RETIRING, FORMER LOCAL CHIEF OF
THE U.S. DRUG ADMINISTRATION SAID THAT COLOMBIAN DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAVE
SUCH INFLUENCE ON THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE COUNTRY HAS BECOME A "NARCO-DEMOCRACY."
JOE TOFT, WHO HAD NEVER SPOKEN IN PUBLIC BECAUSE OF HIS STATUS AS A SPECIAL
DEA AGENT, STATED IN A TELEVISION INTERVIEW THAT HE HAD LOST HOPE FOR
COLOMBIA AFTER REALISING THE EXTENT OT WHICH THE CALI CARTEL HAD PENETRATED
THE GOVERNEMENT. THE UNITED STATES HAS OPENLY QUESTIONED THE SERIOUSNESS
WITH WHICH COLOMBIA HAS BEEN FIGHTING TRAFFICKERS. IT HAS CRITICISED COLOMBIA
FOR FAILING TO BE AS AGGRESSIVE IN PERSECUTING THE CALI CARTEL AS IT HAD
BEEN WITH THE ON BASED IN MEDELLIN.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/24/94
SC20235
FARC KIDNAPS ANOTHER AMERICAN
PUERTO TEJADA, CAUCA PROVINCE REUTERS REPORTED THAT 15 REBELS FROM THE
REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMIBA (FARC) KIDNAPPED U.S. CITIZEN THOMAS
HARGROVE AT A MAKESHIFT ROAD- BLOCK JUST OUTSIDE THE TOWN OF PUERTO TEJADA.
HARGROVE, WHO WORKS AT THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE
(CIAT), WAS DRIVING IN A JEEP ALONG THE ROAD NORTH TO CANDELERIA WHEN
HE WAS ABDUCTED. HIS ABANDONED JEEP ALONG WITH IDENTIFICATION PAPERS WERE
LATER FOUND BY POLICE. NO RANSOM DEMAND HAS BEEN RECEIVED AS OF YET.
MEMBERS OF THE 6TH FRONT OF THE FARC ARE KNOWN TO OPERATE IN THE AREA
WHERE HARGROVE WAS KIDNAPPED.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/24/94
SC20417
ASSASSINATION PLOT UNCOVERED
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA EL ESPECTADOR REPORTS THAT INTELLIGENCE WORK CONDUCTED
BY THE NATIONAL ARMY'S 13TH BRIGADE HAS LED TO THE DISCOVERY OF A PLOT
TO KILL GENERAL LUIS ENRIQUE MONTENEGRO RINCO, METROPOLITAN POLICE COMMANDER
IN SANTA FE DE BOGOTA, AND HIS MOTHER. ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, A MESSAGE
BEGAN CIRCULATING AT COURTYARD NO. 7 OF THE NATIONAL MODELO JAIL, A PRISON
FOR DANGEROUS CRIMINALS WHO SUPPOSEDLY PLANNED TO CONTACT ACCOMPLICES
CURRENTLY AT LARGE, AND THEY WOULD CARRY OUT THE ATTACK. APPARENTLY THE
SO-CALLED DE LA COSTA CARTEL OFFERED 20 MILLION PESOS FOR AN ATTACK ON
THE RESIDENCE WHERE THE GENERAL AND HIS MOTHER LIVE. THE ATTACK WAS PLANNED
IN RETALIATION FOR GENERAL MONTENEGRO'S EFFECTIVE ACTIONS IN TEH ATLANTIC
COAST REGION, WHERE JUDICIAL POLICE AND INVESTIGATION UNITS UNDER HIS
COMMAND MANAGED TO DEAL HARCH BLOWS AGAINST THE DRUG TRAFFICKERS OPERATING
IN THAT PART OF THE COUNTRY.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/22/94
SC20205
ATTACK ON U.S. AMBASSADOR
CAQUITA/EASTERN MOUNTAINS OF COLOMBIA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTED THAT
GUERRILLAS IN CAQUITA OPENED FIRE ON THE U.S. AMBASSADOR, THE ASSISTANT
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, THE COLOMBIAN MILITARY LEADERSHIP, AND THE DEFENSE
MINISTER AS THEY ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN FIVE HELICOPTERS. THE LANDING WAS
ABORTED AND THE HELICOPTERS IMMEDIATELY TURNED BACK. THE GROUP WAS UNEXPECTEDLY
GREETED BY GUNFIRE FROM A FARC FRONT WHICH IS IN CHARGE OF PROTECTING
DRUG LABS IN THE EASTERN MOUNTAINS. THE MAIN GOAL OF THE HIGH-LEVEL U.S.
DELEGATION WAS TO GET A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT HOW ANTINARCOTICS OPERATIONS
ARE CONDUCTED IN CAQUETA. THE SHOOTING INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 40 MINUTES
AFTER THE FLIGHT BEGAN FROM THE MILITARY BASE IN CAQUITA, AND THE HELICOPTER
CARRYING REPORTERS WAS FORCED TO MANEUVER TO AVOID GUNFIRE; HOWEVER, IT
WAS HIT FOUR TIMES, ONCE IN THE TAIL ROTOR, WHICH COULD HAVE DOWNED IT.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/21/94
SC20159
NEW GUERRILLA GROUP EMERGES
BOGOTA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT A NEW SELF-STYLED GUERRILLA GROUP,
THE NATIONAL LIBERATION PEOPLE'S FRONT (FRENTE POPULAR DE LIBERACION NACIONAL--
FPLN), HAS SURFACED IN COLOMBIA. IN A COMMUNIQUE, THE NEW GROUP ANNOUNCED
ON TUESDAY THAT IT WILL MAINTAIN ARMED STRUGGLE AND THAT IT REJECTS THE
GOVERNMENT'S CALL TO REBEL ORGANIZATIONS TO USHER IN THE PEACE PROCESS.
THE HITHERTO UNKNOWN FPLN BECAM KNOWN WHEN IT KIDNAPPED CONGRESSMAN JUAN
IGNACIO CASTRILLON AND ANOTHER POLITICAL LEADER LAST SUNDAY NEAR THE NORTHWESTERN
CITY OF MEDELLIN. THE FPLN RELEASED THE TWO MEN ON TUESDAY, ALONG WITH
A COMMUNIQUE IN WHICH THEY ANNOUNCED THEIR EXISTENCE AND BELIEFS. CASTRILLON,
A MEMBER OF THE CONGRESSIONAL PEACE COMMISSION, STATED THE GROUP DOES
NOT ACCEPT THE PEACE PROPOSALS OF PRESIDENT SAMPER AND VOWS TO CONTINUE
ITS VIOLENT ACTIONS. THE FPLN IS APPARENTLY MADE UP OF ABOUT 100 DISSIDENT
GUERRILLAS FROM THE ELN AND EPL AND IT FOLLOWS A MARXIST-LENINIST POLITICAL
IDEOLOGY. THE GROUP CAME INTO BEING BECAUSE OF PEACE NEGOCIATIONS WITH
THE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN THE FARC AND ELN.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/20/94
SC20112
ELN ASSASSINATES LEGISLATOR
MEDELLIN, ANTIOQUIA DEPARTMENT SANTA FE DE BOGOTA STATED THAT THE NATIONAL
LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSASSINATING LIBERAL
CONGRESSMAN ARLEN URIBE MARQUEZ AS HE WAS LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY OF MEDELLIN
IN HIS CAR WITH HIS DRIVER AND BODYGUARD. ACCORDING TO POLICE SOURCES,
THE CONGRESSMAN HAD BEEN RECEIVING DEATH THREATS. THE CONGRESSMAN WAS
LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY AFTER DELIVERING A LECTURE WHEN THE ASSAILANTS
SHOT HIM IN THE HEAD AND CHEST. SINCE 1989, FIVE CONGRESSMEN HAVE BEEN
MURDERED IN THE ANTIOQUIA DEPARTMENT.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/19/94
SC20082
CONGRESSMAN ASSASSINATED
MEDELLIN REUTERS REPORTED THAT UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN ASSASSINATED CONGRESSMAN
ARLEN URIBE MARQUEZ AS HE WAS LEAVING A UNIVERSITY PARKING LOT IN MEDELLIN.
A WITNESS REPORTED THAT GUNMEN THREW A FRAGMENTATION GRENADE INTO THE
PARKING LOT BEFORE OPENING FIRE ON URIBE, KILLING HIM AND HIS BODYGUARD.
THE RED AND BLACK FLAG OF THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) WAS FOUND
ON THE SCENE. URIBE HAD RECEIVED DEATH THREATS PRIOR TO HIS ASSASSINATION.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/18/94
SC20066
CONGRESSMAN KIDNAPPED
YOLOMBO: ACCORDING TO REUTERS, UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN KIDNAPPED A CONGRESSMAN
AND A LOCAL POLITICIAN IN YOLOMBO, WHICH IS LOCATED ABOUT 95 MILES NORTHWEST
OF BOGOTA. CONGRESSMAN JUAN IGNACIO CASTRILLON AND FORMER MAYOR ALBERTO
BUILES ORTEGA WERE KIDNAPPED LATE SATURDAY BY SUSPECTED MARXIST GUERRILLAS.
THE GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA HAS OFFERED TO HOLD PEACE TALKS WITH THE GUERRILLAS
IN AN EFFORT TO END A 20 YEAR WAR. THE GOVERNMENT LIKEWISE HAS REFUSED
TO TALK WITH RIGHT-WING PARAMILITARIES WHO WERE IN THE EMPLOY OF DRUG
TRAFFICKERS AND WEALTHY RANCH OWNERS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/14/94
SC19973
M-19 GROUP OCCUPIES TOWN
BOGOTA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA TELEVISION ANNOUNCED THAT 100 DISSIDENT MEMBERS
OF THE DWINDLING TERRORIST GROUP M-19 ATTACKED THE TOWN OF VALLE DEL CAUCA
WITH GUNS AND GRENADES. MAKING REFERENCE TO A JAIME BATEMAN MOVEMENT,
THE GROUP SHOUTED THAT M-19 WAS NOT DEAD AND WAS STILL ALIVE. SEVERAL
BUILDINGS WERE DAMAGED AND AT LEAST ONE TAXI DRIVER WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED
IN THE HOUR- LONG OCCUPATION OF THE TOWN. ONE AND A HALF MILLION PESOS
WERE STOLEN FROM THE AGRARIAN BANK. THIS ATTACK COMPLICATES THE PEACE
TALKS CURRENTY BEING HELD WITH THE M-19 TERRORIST GROUP.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/13/94
SC19914
MULTINATIONAL OIL FIELDS HIT
AGUAZUL REUTERS REPORTED THAT NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) GUERRILLAS
ATTACKED TWO OIL FIELDS OPERATED BY THE KELT ENERGY MULTINATIONAL OIL
COMPANY, BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE REBELS BOMBED AND DAMAGED
TWO PRODUCTION STATIONS AT TWO OILFILEDS--THE GLORIA AND GLORIA NORTE
FIELDS. THE BLASTS SET ABLAZE CONTAINER TANKS HOLDING THOUSANDS OF BARRELS
OF CRUDE OIL. THE ATTACK AGAINST KELT OCCURRED NEAR THE REGION WHERE BRITISH
PETROLEUM IS DEVELOPING THE GIANT CUSIANA OIL FIELD.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/08/94
SC19807
OFFICER MOONLIGHTS AS ROBBER
MEDELLIN REUTER REPORTS THAT POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR A COLOMBIAN ARMY
LIEUTENANT WHO USES HIS ANNUAL LEAVE TO LEAD FOUR SOLDIERS ON ARMED ROBBERY
MISSIONS. THE LIEUTENANT AND HIS GANG OF THIEVES ATTACKED A GOLD TRUCK
NEAR THE MINING TOWN OF MACEO, 138 MILES NORTHWEST OF BOGOTA ON WEDNESDAY
AND STOLE ITS CARGO. GUARDS OPENED FIRE AND TWO OF THE ROBBERS WERE WOUNDED.
THE GANG'S MILITARY CONNECTION WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THE INJURED SOLDIERS
REPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL AND WERE UNABLE TO EXPLAIN THEIR GUNSHOT
WOUNDS. POLICE ARE HUNTING DOWN THE LIEUTENANT WHO LEADS THE GANG.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/08/94
SC19809
VIOLENT OUTBREAK KILLS STUDENT
BOGOTA, UNIVERSITY OF TOLIMA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA INRAVISION NETWORK REPORTED
THAT AS A RESULT OF A SERIOUS OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE, AT THE UNIVERSITY,
ONE STUDENT IS DEAD, THREE STUDENTS ARE WOUNDED, 11 SOLDIERS ARE INJURED
AND MANY STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. THE CONFRONTATION BEGAN WHEN SOLDIERS
CAME ONTO THE CAMPUS WHILE THE STUDENTS WERE PROTESTING THE INCREASE IN
TUITION, PRIVATIZATION OF THE UNIVERSITY, AND THE DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
SHORTLY AFTER THE SOLDIERS ARRIVED, ROCKS WERE HURLED AND TEAR GAS AND
WEAPONS FIRED ON THE CAMPUS PROTESTERS. ONE PERSON WAS TAKEN HOSTAGE BY
THE STUDENTS AND WILL BE HELD PENDING THE RETURN OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE
BEEN REPORTED MISSING. DESPITE THE INCIDENT, THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL OF
THE UNIVERSITY HAS DECIDED TO KEEP IT OPEN. HOWEVER, THERE IS A CHANCE
THAT IT MAY BE CLOSED.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
09/05/94
SC19709
CORRUPTION AND THE TOP COPS
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE COLOMBIAN PROSECUTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE
IS INVESTIGATING FORMER DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE GENERAL FABIO CAMPOS CAMPOS
ON SUSPICION OF FAVORING COCAINE TRAFFICKERS. MORE THAN FIFTY CALI POLICE
AND OTHER AIRPORT SECURITY OFFICERS HAVE BEEN DISMISSED FOR NARCOTICS
CONNECTIONS THIS YEAR.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/29/94
SC19546
14 KILLED IN REBEL CLASH
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTS THAT SIX SOLDIERS AND EIGHT MARXIST-LED GUERRILLAS
WERE KILLED IN CLASHES IN THE OIL-RICH EASTERN PLAINS OF COLOMBIA BUT
OIL OPERATIONS WERE NOT AFFECTED. FIVE SOLDIERS WERE WOUNDED IN THIS LATEST
CLASH WITH THE FARC. BRITISH PETROLIUM COMPANY PLC IS DEVELOPING THE GIANT
CUSIANA AND CUPIAGUA OILFIELDS 75 MILES TO THE SOUTH OF THE AREA WHERE
THE BATTLE TOOK PLACE. THE COMPANY IS ALSO DRILLING AN EXPLORATION WELL
NOT FAR FROM WHERE THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. THE CLASH IN NO WAY AFFECTED
ANY OF THE COMPANY'S OPERATIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF CASANARE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/29/94
SC19559
EXPLOSION AT AIR FORCE SCHOOL
CALI, COLOMBIA MADRID EFE REPORTED THAT AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE WAS THROWN
FROM A MOTORCYCLE AT ONE OF THE SENTRY POSTS ON THE PERIMETER OF THE MARCO
FIDEL SUAREZ AIR FORCE SCHOOL IN CALI. NO CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/26/94
SC19698
FARC GUN RUNNER KILLED
ACANDI EL TIEMPO REPORTED THAT SECURITY FORCES KILLED JOSE ADONAY YEPES,
ALLEGEDLY THE MAIN GUN RUNNER FOR THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA
(FARC). YEPES REPORTEDLY BROUGHT INTO COLOMBIA MORE THAN 3,000 WEAPONS
(MOSTLY AK-47'S) FROM CENTRAL AMERICA. THE SOURCE OF HIS WEAPONS WERE
REPORTEDLY DEMOBILIZED REBELS FROM EL SALVADOR AND NICARAGUA.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/21/94
SC19357
ELN AGREES TO PEACE TALKS
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIA'S SECOND LARGEST INSURGENT GROUP,
THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN), IS EXPECTED TO SEND A LETTER TO THE
PRESIDENT WELCOMING HIS OFFER FOR PEACE TALKS. A TELEVISION PROGRAMS STATED
THAT THE ELN WANTED TO REACH A CONSENSUS WITH THE COUNTRY'S OTHER GUERRILLA
GROUPS BEFORE BEGINNING TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT. THIS PEACE OVERTURE
COMES IN THE WAKE OF A AN ELN AMBUSH ON A BUS IN CHOCO PROVINCE THAT KILLED
18 PEOPLE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/19/94
SC19370
RIGHTIST GROUP CLAIMS ATTACK
BOGOTA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT THE ULTRARIGHT GROUP "COLOMBIA
WITHOUT GUERRILLAS" CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK ON A VILLAGE
IN THE VALLE DEL CAUCA DEPARTMENT AND THE MURDER OF THREE PEOPLE. THE
MURDER THE THREE PEASANTS AND THE APPEARANCE OF SIGNS READING COLSINGUE
IN LA MAGDALENA VILLAGE, 8 KM FROM BUGA, MARKED THE APPEARANCE OF THIS
PARAMILITARY GROUP IN THE DEPARTMENT OF VALLE DEL CAUCA. THE THREE PEASANTS
WERE MEMBERS OF THE ALASKA VILLAGE COMMUNITY BOARD. THE GROUP CALLS ITSELF
"COLOMBIA WITHOUT GUERRILLAS," HAS PROMISED TO CONTINUE MURDERING ANYONE
THEY DEEM AS MEMBERS OF OR SYMPATHIZERS OF GUERRILLA GROUPS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/18/94
SC19286
FARC OFFERS PEACE TALKS
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIA'S LARGEST GUERRILLA GROUP, THE
REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) ISSUED A STATEMENT SAYING
THAT IT WAS WILLING TO TAKE UP A GOVERNMENT OFFER OF PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE GOVERNMENT SAID IT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED ANY LETTER FROM THE FARC NOR
A DIRECT COPY OF THEIR STATEMENT AND THEREFORE COULD NOT COMMENT ON ITS
CONTENTS. THE FARC MAY HAVE POSSIBLY HELD A MEETING LAST WEEK IN A TOWN
NEAR BOGOTA TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF STARTING PEACE NEGOTIATIONS
WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/18/94
SC19293
GUERRILLAS DYNAMITE BUS
SANTA FE DE BOGOTA PARIS AFP IN SPANISH REPORTED THAT AT LEAST 18 PEOPLE
WERE KILLED AND TWO INJURED IN CHOCO DEPARTMENT, NORTHWESTERN COLOMBIA,
WHEN GUERRILLAS DYNAMITED AN INTER-CITY BUS, RADIO NETWORKS REPORTED.
SUBOFFICER GABRIEL MOSQUERA, COMMANDER OF THE POLICE GARRISON AT TADO,
700 KM FROM SANTA FE DE BOGOTA, NEAR WHERE THE ATTACK OCCURRED, TOLD RCN
RADIO THAT THE REBELS BLEW UP THE BUS BY MISTAKE, BELIEVING IT WAS TRANSPORTING
SOLDIERS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/18/94
SC19368
FARC/ELN PREPARE OFFENSIVE
BOGOTA SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTS THAT GUERRILLA ARE PREPARING TO LAUNCHY
A STRONG OFFENSIVE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WITH THE INTENTION OF IMPOSING
THEIR CONDITIONS FOR POSSIBLE PEACE TALKS WITH THE SAMPER ADMINISTRATION.
THE FARC AND ELN WILL TRY TO BOYCOTT THE UPCOMING REGIONAL ELECTION IN
AT LEAST 70 MUNICIPALITIES WHICH GUERRILLA FRONTS CONSIDER TO BE MILITARY
OBJECTIVES. ACCORDING TO REPORTS GATHERED BY SECURITY AGENCIES, THE GUERRILLAS
WILL CONCENTRATE THEIR ACTION IN CESAR, GUAJIRA, NORTE DE SANTANDER, VICHADA
CORDOBA, CUNDINAMAMRCA, BAYACA, CASANARE, ANTIOQUIA, AND ATLANTICO DEPARTMENT
ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS THE REBELS' STRATEGY SEEKS TO INTIMIDATE
LIBERAL, CONSERVATIVE, AND M-19 CANDIDATES WHO WILL RUN IN THE OCT 30
ELECTIONS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/16/94
SC19206
POLICE KILLED IN FARC AMBUSH
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIAN MARXIST GUERRILLAS (FARC) KILLED
SEVEN MEMBERS OF AN ANTI-DRUG POLICE PATROL IN AN AMBUSH IN A MOUNTAINOUS
AREA USED FOR OPIUM POPPY GROWING. THE GUERRILLAS BLEW UP THE ROAD AS
THREE VEHICLES CARRYING 36 POLICE WENT BY. THEY THEN ATTACKED WITH SUB-MACHINEGUNS
AND EXPLOSIVES. THE ATTACK OCCURRED MONDAY NEAR THE TOWN OF CALOTO IN
CAUCA PROVINCE ABOUT 170 MILES SOUTHWEST OF BOGOTA WHEN THE PATROL WAS
RETURNING TO BASE AFTER A TRIP TO LOCATE POPPY FIELDS. IN RECENT YEARS
THE DRUG CARTELS HAVE DIVERSIFIED FROM COCAINE PRODUCTION TO HEROIN WHICH
REQUIRES REFINEMENT OF THE LAYTEX EXTRACTED FROM THE OPIUM POPPY. TRAFFICKERS
NOW PAY GUERRILLAS TO PROVIDE SECURITY FOR THEIR DRUG OPERATIONS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/11/94
SC19093
MOURNERS TRASH BOGOTA'S CENTER
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTS THAT PROTESTERS MARCHING ALONGSIDE A FUNERAL PROCESSION
FOR ASSASSINATED LEFT-WING SENATOR CEPEDA TRASHED THE CAPITAL'S CENTER
WITH STONES, SPRAY PAINT AND SMALL BOMBS. THE PROTESTERS ACCUSING THE
MILITARY FOR THE SHOOTING DEATH OF THE LEFTIST LEADER. MARCHERS THREW
STONES AT POLICE, SHATTERED STORE WINDOWS AND SPRAY PAINTED THE SIDES
OF BUILDINGS WITH THE WORDS"MILITARY ASSASSINS," AS THE PROCESSION OF
MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE WALKED TOWARD A DOWNTOWN CEMETERY. THE PROTESTERS
ALSO HURLED SMALL BOMBS THAT EXPLODED LOUDLY IN CLOUDS OF THICK SMOKE
BUT CAUSED NO MAJOR DAMAGE. POLICE IN RIOT GEAR SHOT TEAR GAS TO QUELL
THE PROTEST. NO INJURIES OR ARRESTS WERE REPORTED, AND A DAMAGE ESTIMATE
HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET. CEPEDA, THE SOLE REPRESENTATIVE OF A COALITION
OF THE COLOMBIAN COMMUNIST PARTY AND THE LEFTIST PATRIOTIC UNION PARTY,
WAS ASSASSINATED ON HIS WAY TO WORK ON TUESDAY POLICE HAVE NO SUSPECTS,
BUT BELIEVE THAT A RIGHT-WING PARAMILITARY GROUP WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SHOOTING.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/10/94
SC19042
MORE POLICE CORRUPTION
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT THE CALI CITY POLICE FORCE HAS DISMISSED
ANOTHER 34 OFFICERS FOR RECEIVING BRIBES FROM THE CALI DRUG CARTEL. THE
TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICERS DISMISSED IN CALI CURRENTLY STANDS AT 51. LAST
WEEK, 21 OFFICERS WERE ARRESTED IN BOGOTA IN CONNECTION TO SMUGGLING OPERATIONS
AT THE AIRPORT. CORRUPTION HAS LONG BEEN SUSPECTED IN THE COLOMBIAN POLICE
AND ARMY, BUT THIS SCANDAL IS THE WORST EVER TO HIT THE DEPARTMENT. MORE
DISMISSALS ARE EXPECTED.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/09/94
SC19004
LEFT-WING LEADER ASSASSINATED
BOGOTA REUTER REPORTED THAT A GUNMAN FIRING FROM A JEEP SHOT DEAD ONE
OF COLOMBIA'S MOST PROMINENT LEFT-WING LEADERS, SENATOR MANUEL CEPEDA
VARGAS. CEPEDA WAS A WELL-KNOWN HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER AND THE LEFTIST
PATRIOTIC UNION AND COMMUNIST PARTY'S SOLE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE COLOMBIAN
SENATE. NO ONE HAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK, BUT POLICE
SOURCES SAID SUSPICION FELL ON A NEW PARAMILITARY GROUP CALLED "COLOMBIA
WITHOUT GUERRILLAS." HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS SAY THE PATRIOTIC UNION (UP)
HAS BEEN ONE OF LATIN AMERICA'S MOST PERSECUTED POLITICAL PARTIES, WITH
MORE THAN 2,000 OF ITS MEMBERS AND ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES SHOT DEAD IN
THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/07/94
SC18940
COCAINE SEIZED FROM AIRLINER
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE SEIZED HALF A TON OF COCAINE
SUNDAY FROM AN AVIANCA AIRLINER SHORTLY BEFORE IT TOOK OFF FOR MEXICO
AND MIAMI. THE DRUG WAS CONCEALED INSIDE 12 SUITCASES SMUGGLED INTO THE
HOLD OF THE AIRLINER WITH THE HELP OF AIRLINE EMPLOYEES. FOUR AVIANCA
IMPLOYEES WERE ARRESTED. LAST WEEK 30 AIRPORT POLICE WERE ARRESTED IN
BOGOTA FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS THAT THEY WERE TAKING BRIBES FROM TRAFFICKERS
TO ALLOW DRUG SHIPMENTS THROUGH SECURITY CHECKS. COLOMBIA IS THE WORLD'S
BIGGEST EXPORTER OF COCAINE, SENDING BETWEEN 700 AND 1000 METRIC TONS
OF THE DRUG TO THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE EACH YEAR.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/04/94
SC18864
POLICE ARREST THEIR OWN-PART 2
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTS THAT A SECOND SCANDAL HIT COLOMBIA'S POLICE FORCE
THIS WEEK WITHT THE ARREST OF 17 OFFICERS FOR ALLEGEDLY ACCEPTING BRIBES
FROM THE CALI DRUG CARTEL. THE OFFICERS WERE ARRESTED AFTER A SPECIAL
ARMY AND POLICE TEAM SEARCHING FOR THE CARTEL LEADERS FOUND INFORMATION
DURING A HOUSE RAID INDICATING THEY HAD RECEIVED BRIBES FROM THE TRAFFICKERS.
U.S. DRUG AUTHORITIES HAVE REPEATEDLY EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE CARTEL
HAVING INFILTRATED THE ARMY AND POLICE. THE ARREST COMES ONE DAY AFTER
30 OFFICERS WERE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY ASSISTING DRUG SMUGGLERS PASS
UNDETECTED THROUGH SECURITY ONTO INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS AT THE AIRPORT.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/03/94
SC18815
POLICE ARRESTED AT INT AIRPORT
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT 39 POLICE OFFICERS STATIONED AT BOGOTA'S
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WERE ARRESTED AND ACCUSED OF HELPING COCAINE COURIERS
THWART AIRPORT SECURITY IN EXCHANGE FOR BIG BRIBES. A NATIONAL POLICE
OFFICIAL TOLD REUTERS THAT THE COLONEL IN CHARGE OF AIRPORT SECURITY AND
AN UNSPECIFIED NUMBER OF AIRPORT POLICE HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED, PENDING AN
INVESTIGATION. TRAFFICKERS ALLGEDLY MADE MADE PAYMENTS TO POLICE IN RETURN
FOR ALLOWING TRAVELERS CARRYING NARCOTICS TO BOARD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS.
THE SCANDAL WAS UNCOVERED WHEN 5 POLICE OFFICERS WHO REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE SCAM WERE FIRED FROM THEIR AIRPORT JOBS BY THE COLONEL AND DECIDED
TO TELL THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/03/94
SC18848
MORMON TEMPLES BOMBED-UPDATE
CALI THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BOGOTA CONFIRMED FROM POLICE SOURCES THAT UNIDENTIFIED
TERRORISTS, PRESUMABLY THE FARC, EXPLODED FOUR BOMBS, TWO EACH AT TWO
MORMON TEMPLES IN CALI THE NIGHT OF AUGUST 2. THE ASSAILANTS PLACE ONE
BOMB CONTAIN- ING APPROXIMATELY ONE-HALF KILO OF DYNAMITE AND ONE TIN
CAN "BOMB" FULL OF GUERRILLA PROPAGANDA PANPHLETS AT EACH OF THE TWO TEMPLES.
TWO MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AN ADULT AND A 15 YEAR OLD) WORKING ON A UTILITY
POLL IN FRONT OF ONE OF THE TEMPLES SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM ONE
OF THE BLASTS. ACCORDING TO THE CALI POLICE, MATERIAL DAMAGES AT THE TWO
TEMPLES ARE ESTIMATED AT $2,500 AND $370. THE PAMPHLETS WHICH WERE SCATTERED
BY THE TIN CAN BOMBS CRITICIZING A POSSIBLE U.S. LED MILITARY INTERVENTION
IN HAITI.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
08/02/94
SC18799
FARC BOMBS MORMON TEMPLES
CALI HAMBURG DPA REPORTED THAT THE COMMUNIST GUERRILLA GROUP REVOLUTIONARY
ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) TODAY CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR TWO BOMB
ATTACKS ON MORMON TEMPLES IN THE CITY OF CALI, VALLE DEL CAUCA DEPARTMENT,
TO PROTEST POTENTIAL U.S. MILITARY INTERVENTION IN HAITI. PAMPHLETS FOUND
AT THE SCENE PROTESTED THE POSSIBLE INTERVENTION. THE ATTACKS, CONDUCTED
WITH SMALL-SCALE BOMBS, LEFT ONE FIFTEEN-YEAR OLD BOY WOUNDED AND CAUSED
PROPERTY DAMAGE AT THE TEMPLES LOCATED IN THE COLON AND SANTA HELENA AREAS.
SINCE JULY 15 GUERRILLA GROUPS HAVE STEPPED UP THEIR ATTACKS TO CARRY
OUT A PLAN CALLED "FAREWELL TO PRESIDENT GAVIRIA," WHICH IS DESIGNED TO
"SHOW THEIR STRENGTH" TO FUTURE PRESIDENT ERNESTO SAMPER.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
07/30/94
SC18718
MINISTER ESCAPES ASSASSINATION
BOTOGA REUTERS REPORTS THAT COLOMBIA'S MINISTER OF TRANSPORT ESCAPED
UNHARMED FROM AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON SATURDAY AS HIS MOTORCADE WAS
DRIVING TO AN INAUGURAL CERMONY IN THE NORTHEASTERN PENINSULA OF LA GUAJIRA.
THE MOTORCADE WAS AMBUSHED BY UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN USING MACHINE GUNS BETWEEN
THE TOWNS OF NUEVAVILLA AND EL MOLINO. A BODYGUARD WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED
IN THE ATTACK. SUSPECTED MEMBERS OF FARC HAVE INCREASED THEIR ATTACKS
AGAINST ARMY OUTPOSTS AND POLICE STATIONS IN RECENT WEEKS. THE ATTEMPT
ON THE MINISTER'S LIFE IS THE FIRST TO BE CARRIED OUT AGAINST A TOP GOVERNMENT
OFFICIAL THIS YEAR. LAST WEEK, FARC WAS BLAMED FOR KILLING AN ARMY GENERAL.
THE MOST AUDACIOUS ATTACKS HAVE BEEN AGAINST POLICE STATIONS IN AND AROUND
THE CAPITAL. HOWEVER, THEIR WORST ASSAULT WAS CARRIED OUT TWO WEEKS AGO
AGIANST AN OIL INSTALLATION IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PROVINCE OF PUTUMAYO DURING
WHICH MORE THAN 30 PEOPLE DIED. MILITARY OFFICIALS INTERPRET THE ATTACKS
AS A SHOW OF FORCE BEFORE THE NEW GOVERNMENT COMES INTO POWER NEXT WEEK.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
07/29/94
SC18851
ELN BOMBS OIL PIPELINE
SARAVENA MUNICIPALITY SANTA FE DE BOGOTA REPORTED THAT ELN GUERRILLAS
ONCE AGIN BLEW UP THE CANO LIMON-COVENAS OIL PIPELINE AT THE 95 KM MARKER
IN SARAVENA MUNICIPALITY. ECOPETROL (COLOMBIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE) SPOKESMEN
REPORTED THAT APPROXIMATELY 6000 BARRELS OF OIL SPILLED.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/07/94
SC22548
MORE DEMONSTRATIONS PLANNED
ACCORDING TO SANTA FE DE BOGOTA INRAVISION, AS THE CRISIS IN PUTUMAYO
WAS BEING RESOLVED, HUNDREDS OF PEASANTS WERE GATHERING IN REMOLINO DEL
CAGUAN TO ANNOUNCE A PROTEST MARCH ON FLORENCIA IF THE GOVERNMENT DOES
NOT STOP AERIAL SPRAYING WITH GLYOPHOSPHATE. PEASANT LEADERS WENT TO
BOGOTA ON TUESDAY TO DEMAND THAT THEY BE ALLOWED TO SUBSTITUTE CROPS AND
THAT THE GOVERNMENT STOP USING GLYOPHOSPHATE. ORGANIZERS OF THE MARCH
SAID THEY WILL SUSPEND THEIR PLANS IF THE GOVERNMENT ENTERS INTO A DIALOGUE
WITH THEM OVER THE ISSUE.
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Security Incidents
COLOMBIA
01/01/94
SC22418
WEEKEND DEATH TOLL
BOGOTA REUTERS REPORTED THAT COLOMBIAN POLICE STATED THAT COLOMBIA HAD
EXPERIENCED ONE OF ITS MOST PEACEFUL NEW YEARS IN RECENT MEMORY WITH RELATIVELY
LOW TALLY OF 79 PEOPLE KILLED. THERE WERE 58 MURDERED AND 21 KILLED IN
CAR ACCIDENTS IN THE LAST 12 HOURS OF 1994 AND THE FIRST 12 HOURS OF 1995.
LAST YEAR 96 PEOPLE DIED IN THE SAME PERIOD, 74 OF THEM MURDERED.
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(General Crime)
COLOMBIA
08/18/92
GC00022
INTRODUCTION: THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNS U.S. CITIZENS TO
EXERCISE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING TO COLOMBIA. THE RECENT
ESCAPE FROM A COLOMBIAN PRISON OF SEVERAL DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAS
INCREASED THE THREAT TO U.S. GOVERNMENT INTERESTS IN COLOMBIA. THE
U.S. EMBASSY IS LIMITING TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA BY U.S. GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL TO ONLY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL. WHILE MANY U.S. CITIZENS WHO
VISIT COLOMBIA DO SO WITHOUT INCIDENT, SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY ARE
DANGEROUS. (REFER TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR A
LIST). TRAVELERS SHOULD DEFER ALL TRAVEL TO THOSE AREAS DUE TO
GUERRILLA AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES. A CLIMATE OF GENERALIZED VIOLENCE
EXISTS. THE INDEX OF GUERRILLA AND OTHER NARCO VIOLENCE CONTINUES
TO REMAIN HIGH. IN ADDITION, THE CURRENT RATIONING OF ELECTRICITY
THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY HAS RESULTED IN EXTENSIVE BLACKOUTS, WITH THE
RESULTANT RISE IN VIOLENT CRIME.
GUERRILLA ACTIVITY: WITH THE BREAKUP IN MAY 1992 OF PEACE
NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT, THE COUNTRY'S REMAINING
INSURGENCY GROUPS HAVE FOCUSED ON TAKING THEIR WAR TO THE CITIES,
USING URBAN TERRORISM. BOTH THE COLOMBIAN REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES
(FARC) AND THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN), UNITED IN THE SIMON
BOLIVAR GUERRILLA COORDINATOR (CGSB), HAVE MADE EFFORTS TO INCREASE
THEIR PRESENCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN URBAN AREAS, PARTICULARLY IN
AND AROUND BOGOTA. THE CAPITAL AND OTHER MAJOR COLOMBIAN CITIES
(INCLUDING BARRANQUILLA, SITE OF THE U.S. CONSULATE) HAVE BEEN HIT
BY SPORADIC TERRORIST ATTACKS, THE MOST COMMON OF WHICH HAVE BEEN
BOMBINGS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AT NIGHT, APPARENTLY INTENDED
TO CAUSE DAMAGE BUT NO INJURIES. IN SOME CASES, THE BANKS APPEAR TO
HAVE BEEN TARGETED BECAUSE THEY WERE MULTINATIONAL OR U.S. COMPANIES.
OTHER MANIFESTATIONS OF THE GUERRILLAS' URBAN TERRORISM HAVE BEEN THE
THE BURNING OF BUSES AND ATTACKS ON POLICE STATIONS. MEANWHILE,
RURAL INSURGENT FRONTS HAVE CONTINUED THEIR TERRORISM AGAINST THE
COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE. THE ELN, IN PARTICULAR, CONTINUES
TO TARGET THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY, INCLUDING U.S. INTERESTS.
NARCO-TERRORISM: WITH THE RECENT ESCAPE FROM PRISON OF PABLO ESCOBAR
ALONG WITH SEVERAL OF HIS ASSOCIATES AND THE RESULTANT EFFORTS BY THE
COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT TO CAPTURE THEM, INCREASED THREATS AND VIOLENCE
FROM THE MEDELLIN DRUG CARTEL ARE CURRENTLY UNDERWAY. A CAMPAIGN OF
BOMBINGS, KIDNAPPINGS, AND ASSASSINATIONS DIRECTED AGAINST THE
COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS U.S. INTERESTS WHICH EXISTED BEFORE
ESCOBAR'S IMPRISONMENT IS EXPECTED TO RESUME. THERE ARE INCREASING
REPORTS OF GUERRILLA ALLIANCES OF CONVIENCE WITH NARCO-TRAFFICKERS,
WHO ARE A STEADY SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR THE VARAIOUS GROUPS.
MEANWHILE, THE POTENTIAL THREAT TO BOTH COLOMBIAN AND U.S. GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL FROM THE CALI TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION INCREASED
DRAMATICALLY IN 1992 AS A RESULT OF SUCCESSFUL COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT
STRIKES AGAINST THE ORGANIZATION'S OPERATIONS. IN APRIL 1992,
COLOMBIAN AUTHORITIES ARRESTED THE EXTREMELY VIOLENT MAJOR CALI
TRAFFICKER, IVAN URDINOLA, WHO REMAINS INCARCERATED. WHILE THE
PRIMARY TARGET OF ANY CALI ORGANIZATION RETALIATION LIKELY WOULD BE
POLICE OR OTHER COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES, U.S. GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES ALSO MAY BE AT RISK.
HOMICIDES: COLOMBIA CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST VIOLENT COUNTRIES
IN THE WORLD. THE PER CAPITA HOMICIDE RATE IS APPROXIMATELY TEN TIMES
THAT OF THE U.S. WITH ROUGHLY 75 MURDERS PER 100,000 INHABITANTS.
KIDNAPPINGS: THE COLOMBIAN NATIONAL POLICE (CNP) REPORTED 1,819
KIDNAPPINGS FROM JANUARY 1990 TO MARCH 1991, 910 - OR ABOUT
50 PERCENT - OF WHICH WERE COMMITED BY COMMON CRIMINALS. IN 1991,
FOUR AMERICAN CITIZENS WERE KIDANPPED AND IN 1992, FIVE AMERICAN
CITIZENS HAVE BEEN KIDNAPPED. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE MAJORITY
OF KIDNAPPINGS, WHICH ARE FOR RANSOM, ARE NOT REPORTED TO THE POLICE.
KIDNAPPING FOR RANSOM OR POLITICAL PURPOSES IS AN ONGOING THREAT IN
COLOMBIA. KIDNAPPING OF COLOMBIANS IS FREQUENT AND AT TIMES
AMERICANS HAVE BEEN HELD FOR RANSOM OR TO MAKE A POLITICAL POINT.
AMERICAN RESIDENTS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION AND CONTINUALLY REVIEW
THEIR SECURITY PRACTICES TO MINIMIZE THIS THREAT.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: THE IMPUNITY WHICH CRIMINALS ENJOY AS A
RESULT OF INADEQUATE POLICE CAPABILITY AND A LARGELY NON-FUNCTIONAL
JUDICIAL SYSTEM, MAKE U.S. CITIZENS IN COLOMBIA VULNERABLE. THE
LEVEL OF VIOLENCE AND THE LACK OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IN COLOMBIA ARE
CLEAR EVIDENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S INABILITY TO CONTROL CRIME AND
PROTECT ITS CITIZENS. THIS IS DUE IN LARGE PART TO MANPOWER
CONSTRAINTS, INADEQUATE TRAINING, AND A LACK OF TECHNICAL EXPERTICE
WITHIN COLOMBIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. ONLY 12 PERCENT OF ALL
CRIMES COMMITTED IN COLOMBIA REACH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
POLICE CONTACT LISTING: A LISTING OF THE COLOMBIAN NATIONAL POLICE
COMMANDS IN THE MAJOR CITIES OF COLOMBIA IS AS FOLLOWS:
BOGOTA (1) 243-09046 MENDILLIN (94) 251-87-35
BARRANQUILLA (958) 41-32-78
CARTAGENA (953) 60-508
CALI (923) 83-90-04
PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS: IN GENERAL, VISITORS TO COLOMBIA ARE ADVISED
TO AVOID REMOTE AREAS, TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST STREET CRIME
IN MAJOR CITIES, USE ONLY OFFICIAL TAXIS, AND CONTACT THE EMBASSY OR
CONSULATE FOR UP-TO-DATE SECURITY AND LOCAL TRAVEL INFORMATION.
RESIDENTS OF COLOMBIA SHOULD PRACTICE GOOD SECURITY BY VARYING THEIR
TRAVEL PATTERNS AND SCHEDULES, ESPECIALLY TO AND FROM WORK, AND BY
BEING ALERT TO UNUSUAL ACTIVITY IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS WHICH MIGHT
INDICATE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY ARE BEING WATCHED. ALL AMERICANS
SHOULD AVOID REMOTE AREAS WHERE NARCO-TRAFFICKERS AND/OR GUERRILLAS,
RATHER THAN THE GOVERNMENT, OFTEN CONTROL THE TERRITORY. NIGHTTIME
TRAVEL OUTSIDE MAJOR CITY LIMITS SHOULD BE AVOIDED AND TRAVEL ACROSS
THE COUNTRY BY CAR OR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED
SINCE THE ROBBING OF BOTH BUSES AND PASSENGER VEHICLES IS
COMMONPLACE IN COLOMBIA.
STREET CRIME: VISITORS SHOULD BE WARY OF COMMON CRIMINALS IN MAJOR
CITIES TO INCLUDE BOGOTA AND BARRANQUILLA. UNFORTUNATELY, STREET
CRIME WHICH INCLUDES PURSE SNATCHING, PICKPOCKETING AND JEWELRY
THEFTS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. BY EXERCISING CAUTION AND COMMON SENSE,
IT IS POSSIBLE TO LESSEN THE CHANCES OF BECOMING A TARGET OF PETTY
THEFT. VISITORS ARE CAUTIONED TO CARRY ONLY NECESSARY ITEMS AND TO
KEEP CASH AND IDENTIFICATION IN FRONT POCKETS. IT IS ADVISABLE TO
TUCK PURSES INTO THE CROOK OF AN ARM, HOLD CLOSE TO THE BODY AND
KEEP A HAND OVER THE CLASP. VISITORS SHOULD NOT CARRY ANYTHING THAT
THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE. THE SAME PRECAUTION APPLIES TO JEWELRY.
SMALL POST-TYPE EARRINGS SHOULD BE WARN INSTEAD OF LARGE HOOP
EARRINGS. NECKLACES SHOULD BE KEPT UNDER A BLOUSE OR SWEATER SO AS
NOT TO BE VISIBLE. WATCHES SHOULD ALSO BE KEPT OUT OF SIGHT. ALL
JEWELRY SHOULD BE REMOVED PRIOR TO GOING TO A MARKET OR OTHER CROWDED
AREA. ALSO ON THE INCREASE ARE REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS POSING AS
PLAIN CLOTHES POLICE OFFICERS IN THE VICINITY OF MAJOR HOTELS.
HOTEL GUESTS ARE APPROACHED, NORMALLY BY TWO MEN, WHO STATE THEY HAVE
NARCOTIC RELATED QUESTIONS AND THE PERSON MUST ACCOMPANY THEM TO A
LOCAL POLICE STATION. ONCE TAKEN AWAY FROM THE PUBLIC AREA, THE
PERSON IS ROBBED A KNIFE OR GUN POINT. IF CONFRONTED WITH ANY SUCH
SCENARIO, THE INDIVIDUAL SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO THE SAFETY OF
THE HOTEL.
IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT DUE TO A DROUGHT, THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IS
EXPERIENCING SEVERE DAILY AND NIGHTLY POWER OUTAGES. SERIOUS CRIMES
(SUCH AS HOMICIDE, RAPE, ASSAULT AND KIDNAPPING) HAVE GREATLY
INCREASED SINCE THE BLACKOUTS BEGAN.
AIRPORTS: VISITORS TO COLOMBIA SHOULD TAKE EXTRA CARE IN AIRPORTS,
WHERE MANY PASSPORTS ARE STOLEN. THE MOST COMMON THEFT IS HAND
BAGGAGE PLACED ON THE FLOOR. OF SPECIAL CONCERN TO ALL AMERICANS
TRAVELING TO BOGOTA IS THE LACK OF OVERALL SECURITY AT EL DORADO
AIRPORT. INSIDE EL DORADO, TRAVELERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN
ENTERING RESTROOMS, DINING IN A RESTAURANT, OR WAITING IN LINE.
CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR OF EVERY SORT CAN BE FOUND IN THE WAITING ROOMS
AND WALKWAYS OF EL DORADO, RANGING FROM ASSAULTS TO THEFT OF
UNATTENDED BAGS AND PURSES.
TAXIS: UNLESS IT'S RAINING OR RUSH HOUR, TAXIS ARE PLENTIFUL AND
PROVIDE AN INEXPENSIVE WAY TO GET AROUND BOGOTA. HOWEVER, A FEW
SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN. WHEN ENTERING A TAXI: ENSURE
THAT REAR DOORS ARE LOCKED AND WINDOWS ROLLED UP. TAXIS THEMSELVES
ARE OFTEN TARGETS FOR CRIMINALS. FOR THIS REASON, DRIVERS WILL
SOMETIMES HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS RIDE WITH THEM. UNFORTUNATELY,
SOMETIMES THAT "EXTRA" PASSENGER IS NOT ALONG FOR THE PROTECTION OF
THE DRIVER BUT AS AN ACCOMPLICE. THEREFORE, DO NOT ENTER A TAXI
IN WHICH ANYONE BUT THE DRIVER IS RIDING. ILLEGAL TAXIS, WHICH ARE
SOMETIMES IDENTIFIED BY A DRIVER AND ANOTHER OCCUPANT, WITH
IRREGULAR MARKINGS, ARE DANGEROUS. MOST AIRPORTS HAVE OFFICIAL
TAXI QUEUES. VISITORS SHOULD NOT ACCEPT OFFERS OF RIDES FROM
PERSONS STANDING IN THE VICINITY OF AIRPORT TERMINAL EXITS.
DRUGGINGS: ANOTHER AREA OF CONCERN TO VISITORS IN COLOMBIA IS THE
USE OF THE DRUG SCOPOLOMINE. SCOPOLOMINE, OR BURUNDANGA AS IT IS
KNOWN ON THE STREET, IS USED BY CRIMINALS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DRUGGING
AND THE ROBBING UNWARY VICTIMS. COLOMBIAN DOCTORS REPORT THAT
HOSPITALS RCEIVE AN ESTIMATED 2,000 SCOPOLOMINE VICTIMS EVERY MONTH IN
BOGOTA. ONE OUT OF EVERY THREE PATIENTS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM HAS
BEEN INTOXICATED WITH THE DRUG. THE DRUGGINGS OCCUR IN ALL AREAS OF
THE CITY THROUGHOUT THE DAY, BUT WITH MORE FREQUENCY AT NIGHT. THE
MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO ADMINISTER SCOPOLOMINE IS IN A LIQUID FORM WHICH
CAN INCAPACITATE THE VICTIM IN TWO TO THREE SECONDS. HOWEVER,
RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT STREET TACTICS CAN INVOLVE THE DRUG BEING
UTILIZED IN A SPRAY, DUST OR SMOKE FORM AS WELL.
A LARGE MAJORITY OF DRUGGING INCIDENTS TAKE PLACE IN BARS AND
DISCOTHEQUES. SOME INCIDENTS OCCUR WHEN THE WAITER BRINGS YOU A
DRINK. ON THE WAY TO THE TABLE, HE/SHE WILL DRUG THE DRINK OR
BOTTLE. THIS USUALLY OCCURS TOWARDS THE END OF THE NIGHT, WHEN MOST
PEOPLE ARE LESS OBSERVANT. AFTER BEING DRUGGED, THE WAITER HELPS YOU
TO THE DOOR WHERE AN ACCOMPLICE IS WAITING. ANOTHER COMMON TACTIC
IS THROUGH A CASUAL CONVERSATION IN A BAR. DURING THE COURSE OF THE
CONVERSATION OR AT A TIME WHEN YOUR DRINK IS LEFT UNATTENDED, THE
DRUG IS ADMINISTERED. TO DEFEND AGAINST SUCH TACTICS, AVOID GOING
TO NIGHTCLUBS ALONE. WHILE INSIDE SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS, TRY TO WATCH
YOUR DRINK BEING PREPARED AND BROUGHT TO THE TABLE. DO NOT LEAVE
YOUR DRINK UNATTENDED.
STREET DRUGGINGS ARE ALSO COMMON AND MAY INVOLVE SPRAY, DUST OR SMOKE.
THESE SCENARIOS TYPICALLY INVOLVE BEING APPROACHED BY A STRANGER ON
THE STREET WHO INITIATES A CONVERSATION AND THEN ADMINISTERS THE
DRUG. THE BEST PREVENTATIVE MEASURE IS TO TRY NOT TO WALK ALONE.
AVOID STOPPING AND TALKING TO STRANGERS OR ACCEPTING ANYTHING TO EAT,
DRINK OR SMOKE FROM THEM. IN GENERAL, THESE ARE ALSO GOOD RULES TO
FOLLOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF MANY STREET CRIMES WHICH ALSO
UTILIZE THE APPROACHMENT TECHNIQUE. DRUGGINGS ON PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION ARE FREQUENT AND THEREFORE BUSES SHOULD BE AVOIDED.
THERE ARE A HOST OF SYMPTOMS SCROPOLOMINE DRUGGING WHICH INCLUDE
DISORIENTATION, INCOHERENCE, DILATED PUPILS, MOUTH DRYNESS,
RESTLESSNESS, FAST HEART RATE, BLURRED VISION AND STUPOR. VICTIMS OF
SUSPECTED SCOPOLOMINE DRUGGINGS SHOULD BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO A
HOSPITAL.
MAJOR CITY SNAPSHOTS: BOGOTA: BOGOTA HAS SUFFERED MORE THAN ITS
SHARE OF STREET CRIME AND VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOST LARGE CITIES.
FOR THIS REASON, AMERICANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO LIVE IN THE NORTHERN
PART OF THE CITY WHICH IS RELATIVELY SAFE AND CRIME FREE. THE
MAJORITY OF APARTMENT BUILDINGS, IN THE NORTHERN AREA, HAVE 24-HOUR
PORTERO (GUARD) SERVICE WHEREBY VISITOR ACCESS CAN BE CAREFULLY
MONITORED. VISITORS ARE WARNED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN VISITING
TOURIST AREAS AND ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID THE SOUTHERN AND
WESTERN SECTORS OF THE CITY WHERE MOST OF THE CRIMES OCCUR.
BARRANQUILLA: THE PORT CITY OF BARRANQUILLA HAS BEEN RELATIVELY FREE
OF GUERRILLA AND NARCO VIOLENCE. HOWEVER, RECENTLY THE CITY HAS BEEN
HIT BY SPORADIC TERRORIST ATTACKS, THE MOST COMMON OF WHICH HAVE BEEN
BOMBINGS OF MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES. THESE ATTACKS HAVE CAUSED
PROPERTY DAMAGE BUT NO INJURIES. IN ADDITION, ROBBERY AND STREET
CRIME WITHIN THE CITY ITSELF CONTINUES TO BE A GROWING PROBLEM.
VIOLENCE OUTSIDE THE CITY REMAINS HIGH. INSURGENT BOMBINGS OF
ELECTRIC TOWERS AND HIGHWAY BANDITRY BY VARIOUS CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN
AREAS SURROUNDING BARRANQUILLA ARE COMMON OCCURRENCES. NIGHTTIME
TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE CITY IS NOT ADVISABLE.
CARTAGENA: CARTAGENA HAS LARGELY BEEN SPARED THE GUERRILLA VIOLENCE
AND NARCOTERRORISM ENDEMIC IN OTHER PARTS OF COLOMBIA. THE MAJOR
TOURIST AREAS ARE HEAVILY PATROLLED BY POLICE. FOR THIS REASON,
CARTAGENA IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE SAFEST OF COLOMBIA'S MAJOR CITIES.
HOWEVER, THE RECENT SLUMP IN TOURISM HAS RESULTED IN AN INCREASE IN
PETTY STREET CRIME.
CALI: TRADITIONALLY, CALI HAS BEEN CONSIDERED A RELATIVELY SAFE CITY
FOR VISITORS. HOWEVER, 1992 HAS BEEN WITNESS TO SIGNIFICANT VIOLENCE
ATTRIBUTABLE TO IN-FIGHTING AMONG WARRING DRUG LORDS. IT IS BELIEVED
THE VIOLENCE IN CALI WILL CONTINUE WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER
ESCALATION.
MEDELLIN: MEDELLIN HAS THE REPUTATION, AND RIGHTFULLY SO, OF BEING
COLOMBIA'S MOST DANGEROUS CITY. THE INDISCRIMINATE NARCO-RELATED
VIOLENCE AND BOMBINGS WHICH LESSENED THROUGH 1991 AND EARLY 1992 NOW,
WITH THE ESCAPE OF PABLO ESCOBAR, HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF DEVELOPING
ONCE AGAIN. AS THIS REPORT WAS BEING PREPARED, A CAR BOMB EXPLODED
IN A MEDELLIN SHOPPING CENTER CAUSING CONSIDERABLE PROPERTY DAMAGE
AND PERSONAL INJURY. IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTIOQUIA (HOME
OF MEDELLIN) ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 40 PERCENT OF ALL HOMICIDES
COMMITTED IN COLOMBIA IN 1991. MEDELLIN CONTINUES TO SUFFER THE
HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMMON CRIME OF ANY CITY IN COLOMBIA.
GENERAL INFORMATION: UPON ARRIVAL IN COLOMBIA, U.S. CITIZENS SHOULD
SEEK THE LATEST TRAVEL INFORMATION AND REGISTER WITH THE AMERICAN
CITIZENS SERVICES UNIT OF THE EMBASSY IN BOGOTA, CALLE 38, NO. 8-61,
AT (571) 85-1300 (EXT.206, 215) OR WITH THE CONSULATE IN BARRANQUILLA,
CALLE 77, CARRERA 68, CENTRO COMMERCIAL MAYORISTA, AT (575) 457-088.
REGISTRATION FACILITATES THE PROVIDING OF EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOULD IT
BECOME NECESSARY.
(SUBMITTED BY THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BOGOTA ON AUGUST 17, 1992.)
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(Country Contacts)
COLOMBIA
03/13/95
CC00044
(LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN)
U.S. EMBASSY
CALLE 38, NO. 8-61
BOGOTA
(57) (1) 320-1300/1688
TOURIST POLICE (BOGOTA)
267-6348 OR 266-2161
LOCAL POLICE (ANYWHERE IN COLOMBIA)
156
U.S. CONSULATE
CALLE 77 CARRERA 68, CENTRO COMMERCIAL
MAYORISTA, BARRANQUILLA
(57) (5) 45-7088
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(Special Topics)
OSAC COUNTRY COUNCILS
04/08/94
ST00006
OSAC COUNTRY COUNCILS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
A. LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN
ARGENTINA - BUENOS AIRES
BRAZIL - RIO DE JANIERO AND SAO PAOLO
COLOMBIA - BOGOTA
GUATEMALA - GUATEMALA CITY
MEXICO - MEXICO CITY
PERU - LIMA
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - PORT-OF-SPAIN
B. EAST ASIA/PACIFIC
INDONESIA - JAKARTA
PHILIPPINES - MANILA
SINGAPORE
CONTINUED ON NEXT SCREEN
19940519$$$
C. MIDDLE EAST
ALGERIA - ALGIERS
EGYPT - CAIRO
D. EUROPE
BELGUIM - BRUSSELS
FRANCE - PARIS
GERMANY - BONN AND FRANKFURT
GREECE - ATHENS
HUNGARY - BUDAPEST
ITALY - ROME AND MILAN
NETHERLANDS - THE HAGUE
POLAND - WARSAW
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UNITED KINGDOM - LONDON
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OSAC ACTIVITIES PLEASE CONTACT OSAC
AT (202) 663-0533 - OR CONTACT THE REGIONAL SECURITY OFFICER AT THE
EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.
19940519***
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(Travel Advisories)
Colombia - Travel Warning
October 24, 1994
Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of
travel to Colombia. With the exception of several popular tourist areas,
violence continues to affect a significant portion of the country. Recent
kidnappings and attacks have targeted U.S. citizens and institutions.
Additional information can be found in the Department of State's Consular
Information Sheet on Colombia.
No. 94-045
This replaces the Travel Warning for Colombia dated January 28, 1994, to
incorporate updated information.
Colombia - Consular Information Sheet
October 31, 1994
Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of
travel to Colombia. With the exception of several popular tourist areas,
violence continues to affect a significant portion of the country. Recent
kidnappings and attacks have targeted U.S. citizens and institutions.
Country Description: Colombia is a medium income country with a diverse
economy. Tourist facilities vary, depending on cost and area.
Entry Requirements: A passport and a return/onward ticket are required for
stays of up to three-months. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one
parent, or with a third party must present written authorization from the
absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to
travel alone, with one parent or with a third party. This authorization
must be notarized, authenticated by a Colombian Embassy or Consulate, and
translated into Spanish. For current information concerning entry and
customs requirements for Colombia, travelers can contact the Colombian
Embassy at 2118 Leroy Place N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202)
387-8338 or the nearest Consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New
Orleans, New York, Houston or San Juan.
Medical Facilities: Medical care is adequate in major cities, but varies in
quality elsewhere. Health problems in Colombia include the presence of
cholera, though cholera is found largely in areas outside the cities and
usual tourist areas. Visitors who follow proper precautions regarding food
and drink are not usually at major risk.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of
medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental
medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has
proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline (404) 332-4559.
Crime Information: Based on Colombian government statistics, Colombia's per
capita murder rate of 77.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants is seven times
higher than that of the United States. While narcotics and guerrilla
related violence account for much of this, common criminals are responsible
for 75 percent of the reported murders.
Minor crime is prevalent in cities, especially in the vicinity of hotels and
airports. Theft of hand luggage and travel documents at airports is common.
Taking illegal taxis, which are sometimes characterized by two drivers and
irregular markings, may be dangerous. Attempts at extortion and kidnappings
on rural buses are not unusual.
Many criminals use the drug "scopolamine" to incapacitate tourists, rob
them, and then leave them unconscious, often for over 24 hours. The drug is
administered in drinks (in bars), through cigarette smoke (in taxis), and in
powder form (tourists are approached by someone asking directions, with the
drug concealed in a piece of paper. The drug renders the person disoriented
and powerless to resist the criminal's orders.
Another common scam is an approach to an obvious tourist by an alleged
"policeman" who says that he is checking for counterfeit U.S. dollars and
wants to "check" the foreigner's money. The person gives the criminal
his/her money, receives a receipt and the "policeman" disappears.
The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the
local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Useful information
on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling
abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip
Abroad," it is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Also available from the
same address is the Department of State publication, "Tips for travelers to
Central and South America."
Areas of Instability: Violence in Colombia by criminal and guerrilla
organizations is widespread. Travel by road outside the major cities is
considered dangerous because of guerrilla activities in the countryside. As
a result, the official travel of U.S. Government employees in Colombia is
restricted as described below. The security situation in Colombia is
volatile. U.S. citizens may consult the Department of State or the U.S.
Embassy in Santa Fe de Bogota or the U.S. Consulate in Barranquilla to
obtain the latest information about areas of instability in Colombia.
The following areas are considered particularly dangerous:
- Cundinamarca Department: rural roads.
- Colombia east of the Andes except the city of Leticia in the Amazonas
Department and adjacent tourist areas in Amazonas.
- All of Antioquia Department (zone) including the city of Medellin.
- Most of the North Coast, except for the major tourist areas such as Santa
Marta, Barranquilla, Cartagena, and San Andres.
- The Northern half of Choco Department, particularly the Uraba region,
except for the tourist area of Capurgana.
- The Magdelena Medio region: The Magdelena River valley south to Tolima,
including western Boyaca, eastern Caldas, and northwestern Cundinamarca.
- Rural Valle de Cauca Department and most of the Cauca River valley
including the cities of Cali and Buenaventura, and the road between Cali and
Buenaventura.
- Tolima Department south of Espinal, especially if traveling after dark.
- Road travel in Huila and Cauca Departments. The cities of Neiva and
Popayan are considered to be safe if reached by air.
Restrictions on U.S. Government Employees: Because of security concerns,
U.S. government employees assigned to Colombia or temporarily visiting in
connection with their official government duties face severe restrictions on
travel within Colombia. Travel by such personnel to the areas of
instability listed above is generally limited to essential official
functions and must be authorized by the Embassy. Requests by Embassy
personnel for travel by car outside the Santa Fe de Bogota metropolitan area
are considered on a case by case basis. The official travel of all U.S.
government personnel traveling to Colombia must be approved in advance by
the U.S. Embassy.
Terrorist Activities: Several terrorist or guerrilla groups are active in
Colombia and U.S. interests are among their targets. Kidnapping for ransom
or political purposes is increasing in Colombia. Several U.S. citizens have
recently been kidnapped by guerrillas. In 1994, properties of churches
identified with the U.S. were bombed in Bucaramanga, Cali and Medellin, and
a bomb damaged a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Bucaramanga.
Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling. Penalties in Colombia for possession, use and
trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect
lengthy jail sentences and fines.
Firearms: Colombian law prohibits tourists and business travelers from
importing or bringing firearms into Colombia. The penalty for illegal
importation and/or possession of firearms is 3 to 10 years in prison.
Aviation Oversight: In December 1991, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority as in compliance
with international aviation safety oversight standards for Colombia's
carriers operating to and from the U.S. The same level of safety oversight
would typically be applied to operations to other destinations. For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-
322-7873.
Embassy Location/Registration: Upon arrival U.S. citizens are urged to
register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bogota at Calle 38
No. 8-61, telephone: (57-1) 320-1300 or the Consulate in Barranquilla at
Calle 77, Carrera 68, Centro Comercial Mayorista, telephone: (57-58) 457-
088, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Colombia.
No. 94-255
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994 by
updating the warning and information on crime, terrorism and areas of
instability.
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