Colombia captures 8 rebels blamed for police academy attack

Colombia’s President Ivan Duque announced the capture of eight leftist rebels suspected of involvement in the bombing of a police academy that killed 22 people.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) claimed responsibility for the January 2019 car bombing in the capital Bogota, which sparked nationwide protests.

Duque praised the work of the police and public prosecutor’s office saying they were “very effective in capturing various members of this criminal cell that committed the terrorist act.”

The eight suspects “participated in the financing, planning and execution of the attack,” said public prosecutor Francisco Barbosa.

They face charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism, financing terrorism, asset laundering, illicit enrichment and rebellion.

Among the detainees are Andres Felipe Oviedo, accused of receiving orders from the ELN high command and planning the attack.

Two others, Carlos Arturo Marin and Angie Lorena Solano, are accused of accompanying by motorcycle the explosives-laden truck that was driven by a single bomber, who also died in the blast. The detentions bring to 13 the number of people arrested over the bombing.

The police operation was carried out in several locations around the country, including Bogota, the police said. — AFP