FARC: We Didn't Abduct Them
The Colombian FARC rebel organization, widely assumed to be responsible for the kidnapping of eight hikers - including four Israelis - a few days ago, has published an announcement on its website disclaiming any responsibility for the abduction.
The announcement states that it is actually the Colombian government that is responsible for the abduction - in order, ultimately, to receive credit for "finding" them. In this way, FARC states, the Colombian army would be portrayed as successfully implementing the Colombian government objective of weeding out terrorism and internal crime.
Arutz-7's Yosef Zalmanson notes that this could explain a puzzling statement made by Ran Atzmon, an Israeli who was released by the kidnappers. He said that the kidnappers treated the Israelis "with extra respect," and explained that this was because Israel sells weapons to Colombia.
The Colombian government, on the other hand, dismissed the announcement out of hand. Colombia's Ambassador to Israel confirmed that according to the information at present, FARC is responsible for the abduction, although other information is being checked to ascertain whether another organization is holding the hostages. Another possibility is that the structure of FARC is such that the top leadership might not be aware of its underlings' actions.
Some 2,000 Colombian army forces are searching the area of the "Lost City" where the abduction took place, and especially the area where local Indians claim to have seen the hostages. All entrances to the area have been closed off, and all tourists have been evacuated.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry continues to be in daily contact with the families of the four missing hikers.
The Colombian FARC rebel organization, widely assumed to be responsible for the kidnapping of eight hikers - including four Israelis - a few days ago, has published an announcement on its website disclaiming any responsibility for the abduction.
The announcement states that it is actually the Colombian government that is responsible for the abduction - in order, ultimately, to receive credit for "finding" them. In this way, FARC states, the Colombian army would be portrayed as successfully implementing the Colombian government objective of weeding out terrorism and internal crime.
Arutz-7's Yosef Zalmanson notes that this could explain a puzzling statement made by Ran Atzmon, an Israeli who was released by the kidnappers. He said that the kidnappers treated the Israelis "with extra respect," and explained that this was because Israel sells weapons to Colombia.
The Colombian government, on the other hand, dismissed the announcement out of hand. Colombia's Ambassador to Israel confirmed that according to the information at present, FARC is responsible for the abduction, although other information is being checked to ascertain whether another organization is holding the hostages. Another possibility is that the structure of FARC is such that the top leadership might not be aware of its underlings' actions.
Some 2,000 Colombian army forces are searching the area of the "Lost City" where the abduction took place, and especially the area where local Indians claim to have seen the hostages. All entrances to the area have been closed off, and all tourists have been evacuated.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry continues to be in daily contact with the families of the four missing hikers.