BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s main rebel group has acknowledged the death in combat of its leader, Alfonso Cano, and has declared illusory any notions it means the end of their 47-year-old insurgency.
The leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, is characteristically defiant in a communique that derides the “guffaws” and “enthusiastic toasts” of Colombia’s establishment.
The communique posted on the Sweden-registered Anncol website late Saturday is signed by the FARC’s senior command.
It pays homage to Cano, who was killed Friday.
The brief message makes it clear Cano will be replaced. It says he died fervently convinced of the need for a political solution to Colombia’s long-running conflict.
