Colombian Rebels Hijack Bus
Of Presidential Candidate Supporters
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BOGOTA - The Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC), the biggest rebel group in
the country, hijacked a bus with supporters
of presidential candidate Rafael Pardo in
southwestern Colombia, witnesses said
Monday.
Hijacking happened when supporters of the
Colombian Liberal Party's candidate were
returning home Sunday after a meeting in
Santander de Quilichao, said Pardo's debate
chief Senator Juan Fernando Cristo.
Rebels seized the bus and asked the
passengers to get off. They detailed the
driver for a while before finally setting
him free.
The FARC rebels used the bus to attack the
country's Public Forces, which in recent
weeks have stepped up military operations to
stop terror attacks and harassments in the
area, said Cristo.
In another development, police on Sunday
defused an explosive device on a highway
Pardo's convoy was expected to take.
Authorities are investigating whether the
attack was directed at Pardo or police
patrols.
Colombia will hold presidential elections on
May 30. |
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