Larissa
1st March 2003, 19:07
US considers intervention in Colombia
Washington mulls tough response to kidnapping of CIA 'agents'
Martin McNamara in Caqueta, Colombia
Sunday February 23, 2003
The Observer
The United States is considering direct military intervention in Colombia for the first time following the murder of an American and the kidnapping of three others, all suspected CIA agents.
The US embassy in Colombia has recommended Washington make a 'major response' to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) rebels responsible, and American officials have confirmed that military action is being considered to recover the men from the dense jungles of the southern province of Caqueta.
They were captured after their plane crashed into the jungle suffering engine trouble. Despite the swift arrival of the Colombian army, the rebels spirited three survivors away after executing one American and the Colombian pilot who are thought to have put up a struggle.
Washington has refused to release any information about the men, entrenching the belief that they were CIA agents on a surveillance mission.
For the people of Caqueta, the prospect of a US military incursion into the province is yet another nightmare. In the past year, since the collapse of the peace process, they have seen the suspension of local government and are living under a form of martial law. Scores of ordinary people have been tortured and murdered by right-wing paramilitaries and they face a constant campaign of bombing and kidnapping by the Farc.
Full article:
http://www.observer.co.uk/international/st...,901180,00.html (http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,901180,00.html)
Washington mulls tough response to kidnapping of CIA 'agents'
Martin McNamara in Caqueta, Colombia
Sunday February 23, 2003
The Observer
The United States is considering direct military intervention in Colombia for the first time following the murder of an American and the kidnapping of three others, all suspected CIA agents.
The US embassy in Colombia has recommended Washington make a 'major response' to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) rebels responsible, and American officials have confirmed that military action is being considered to recover the men from the dense jungles of the southern province of Caqueta.
They were captured after their plane crashed into the jungle suffering engine trouble. Despite the swift arrival of the Colombian army, the rebels spirited three survivors away after executing one American and the Colombian pilot who are thought to have put up a struggle.
Washington has refused to release any information about the men, entrenching the belief that they were CIA agents on a surveillance mission.
For the people of Caqueta, the prospect of a US military incursion into the province is yet another nightmare. In the past year, since the collapse of the peace process, they have seen the suspension of local government and are living under a form of martial law. Scores of ordinary people have been tortured and murdered by right-wing paramilitaries and they face a constant campaign of bombing and kidnapping by the Farc.
Full article:
http://www.observer.co.uk/international/st...,901180,00.html (http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,901180,00.html)