FARC narco-factions refuse to lay down arms | CounterVortex

5.1.17

FARC narco-factions refuse to lay down arms | CounterVortex: According to a FARC communique extensively quoted in Bogot� daily El Tiempo Dec. 13, one of the renegade guerilla leaders is "Gentil Duarte," who before his expulsion was actually a member of the FARC high command. Also named is "Jhon 40," the notorious commander of a jungle zone along the Venezuelan border, a key transfer point for cocaine and other contraband. He is also believed to profit off of illegal mining operations in his zone of control.

The communique from the guerillas' Central High Command said these regional commanders are acting "in contradiction" of the "political-military line" of the FARC. Another of the named renegades is "Giovanny Chuspas," who assumed command of the FARC's 16th Front after its previous leader "Negro Acacio" was killed by army troops in 2007. Also operating in the zone along the Venezuelan border, Negro Acacio was wanted by the US for cocaine trafficking, and this 16th Front is said to be among the FARC's dirtiest.