Colombian rebel leader “El Paisa” killed

Colombian rebel leader Hernán Darío Velásquez “El Paisa” has been killed in an apparent ambush in Venezuela.

“El Paisa” was a former leader of Colombia’s Farc rebel group. He was shot dead in a Venezuelan state.

The Colombian army has said to have not known about the apparent killing. His death is yet to be officially confirmed by the rebel group.

Colombian authorities have refused to acknowledge his death until they see his body.

According to local media, “El Paisa” may have been hunted down by bounty hunters wanting to cash in on the reward.

Farc rebel group

Farc was a communist rebel group at war with the Colombian government for over 50 years. They agreed to a ceasefire with the government in 2016.

“El Paisa’s” apparent killing might spark violence in both Colombia and Venezuela. His group, known for its deadly coordinated attacks might now retaliate.

Colombia has long accused Venezuela of harboring Farc rebels who are against the ceasefire.

The country believes that the group’s military wing now mainly operates from Venezuela.

Farc was accepted into the Colombian Congress after they dropped arms in 2016. They have a total of 10 seats.

However, even after the ceasefire, violence has frequently been reported in many Colombian regions. This is now set to escalate if “El Paisa” has actually been killed.