At least 10 loggers were killed and a further 172 kidnapped in Colombia by the leftist rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).The governor of the north-western province of Choco province told the media, "'The saddest thing is that there was a massacre there, because up until now there are already ten people confirmed dead."
Deutsche Presse-Agentur, reports the loggers were taken in a rural area near the town of Riosucio in Choco province, which borders Panama. Governor Julio Ibarguen said about 60 were abducted initially and the remaining group taken from other camps.
The rebels claim the loggers were working for a company run by an underground right-wing paramilitary organization.
According to the U.S. State Department - "Patterns of Global Terrorism" - FARC is "the largest, best trained, and best equipped guerrilla organization in Colombia. Established in 1966 as military wing of Colombian Communist Party. Goal is to overthrow government and ruling class.
Organized along military lines; includes at least one urban front. Has been anti-US since its inception. FARC operates mainly in Colombia, with occasional operations in Venezuela, Panama, and Ecuador.
They have approximately 6,000 to 7,000 armed combatants and an unknown number of supporters."
Activities include, "armed attacks against Colombian political and military targets. Many members pursue criminal activities, carrying out kidnappings for profit and bank robberies. Foreign citizens often are targets of FARC kidnappings. Group traffics in drugs and has well-documented ties."
