The leader of Colombia's largest rebel group, the Farc, has died, the military has claimed in a statement.
A national news magazine had earlier reported the death of Manuel "Sureshot" Marulanda on 26 March, citing the defence minister, Juan Manuel Santos.
There has been no confirmation from guerrilla sources. The top rebel commander's death has been rumoured and disproved several times in the past. But correspondents say the death would be a big blow to the Farc if confirmed.
Mr Marulanda, whose real name is Pedro Antonio Marin, has led the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, since its foundation in 1964.
He is thought to be 78 years old and there have been persistent rumours of ill health, including evidence that suggested he had prostate cancer.
Mr Manuel Santos said reports from guerrillas suggested Mr Marulanda died of a heart attack, although he also told the Semana news magazine that three bombing raids had targeted the rebel chief on the date in question.
A national news magazine had earlier reported the death of Manuel "Sureshot" Marulanda on 26 March, citing the defence minister, Juan Manuel Santos.
There has been no confirmation from guerrilla sources. The top rebel commander's death has been rumoured and disproved several times in the past. But correspondents say the death would be a big blow to the Farc if confirmed.
Mr Marulanda, whose real name is Pedro Antonio Marin, has led the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, since its foundation in 1964.
He is thought to be 78 years old and there have been persistent rumours of ill health, including evidence that suggested he had prostate cancer.
Mr Manuel Santos said reports from guerrillas suggested Mr Marulanda died of a heart attack, although he also told the Semana news magazine that three bombing raids had targeted the rebel chief on the date in question.
topics:
News and Politics,
Politics,
Current TV,
Collective Journalism,
America,
South America,
Colombia,
FARC,
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- merasyad
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- added May 25, 2008
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