FARC Rebels Kidnap Police Officer in Colombia

Strategic Insights -

Leftist FARC rebels kidnapped a police officer, Carlos Alberto Ocampo, who was acting as a bodyguard for the mayor of San Antonio, a southern Colombian municipality, on a highway in Tolima province. The mayor, Ismael Cruz, was traveling with Ocampo when they were intercepted by seven guerrillas from the 21st Front of the FARC. The rebels released the mayor after holding him hostage for a time but kidnapped Ocampo. This incident is the latest in a series of kidnappings and hostage takings by the FARC, who are demanding the release of their comrades imprisoned in Colombia and the United States in exchange for the hostages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FARC rebels kidnapped a police officer, Carlos Alberto Ocampo, who was acting as a bodyguard for the mayor of San Antonio, Ismael Cruz, on a highway in Tolima province.
  • The rebels released Mayor Cruz after holding him hostage for a time, but kidnapped Ocampo.
  • This is the latest incident in a series of kidnappings and hostage takings by the FARC, who are demanding the release of their comrades imprisoned in Colombia and the United States in exchange for the hostages.
  • The FARC are holding 17 policemen and soldiers hostage, some for more than 12 years.
  • The FARC recently announced plans to unilaterally free five captives.
  • Mayor Cruz was previously kidnapped by the FARC almost at the same spot a year ago, but managed to escape.

Statistics:

  • 7: Number of guerrillas from the 21st Front of the FARC who intercepted the mayor's party.
  • 1: Number of time the mayor, Ismael Cruz, was kidnapped by the FARC.
  • 17: Number of policemen and soldiers being held hostage by the FARC.
  • 12 years: Length of time some individuals have been held hostage by the FARC.
  • 5: Number of captives the FARC plan to unilaterally free.
  • 2009: Year Mayor Cruz was previously kidnapped by the FARC.
  • 2010: Year the FARC recently announced plans to unilaterally free five captives.
  • 10 years: Length of time Carlos Alberto Ocampo has been with the police force.

Sources:

  • EFE via COMTEX (Dec 28, 2010)
  • RCN radio
  • Caracol Radio
  • Agencia EFE S.A. (Copyright 2010)