FARC strikes again.

The FARC takes responsibility for bombing an old church in Tolima last weekend. The bomb killed about 10 people.

The FARC soldiers are cowards. They retaliate by attacking hard working, poor people in the small towns of Colombia.

[Chao]

According to the Associated Press, police suspect the FARC in two bombings that occurred on Tuesday (Apr. 9, 2002) in Bogota. Also, 12 provincial lawmakers were kidnapped today (Apr. 11, 2002) by the FARC in Cali, also according to the AP.

If anyone is in Colombia right now, please post your insights as to the mood on the street, among the people, etc.

chao

[Lostagain]

I found out about the kidnappings of the legislators a few minutes after returning to my apartment from the area where they had just taken place. I guess I went through there just before it happened. Yikes! People are very upset about the event, but it is amazing how the routine of daily living continues. I returned to the down town area later in the day and everything seemed pretty normal. When I had lunch with some Colombian lawyers/friends, with whom I am going to open an office to give assistance on US immigration matters, the issue hardly came up. The most noticeable difference was there was a much bigger police presence on the streets, but even that has been the case in the few days before.
As the presidential election approaches, I think we are going to see more attacks and kidnappings. It probably isn't a real good time to visit unless you have friends here who can help you stay out of the "tourist" areas.
Now that Hugo Chavez is out in Venezuela, there is going to be more pressure on the FARC as they are going to lose their sanctuaries in Venezuela, at least insofar as Venezelan government complicity is concerned. It is amazing how the FARC does everything it can to piss off everyone who could possibly entertain a thought of supporting them. It is as if they are secretely campaigning for Uribe. The more sh*t they do, the bigger his landslide will be on election day. ...go figure.
Chao, from the front lines, Lost Again/Fred

[In the Know 2]

The bombs that went off where in VILLAVICENCIO where my in laws live. (Which is why we don't go there!)One bomb went off and when people went out to look the second more powerful one went off killing 10, injuring 70 and destroying 13 vehicles.

Pastrana is due in Washington next week to help get Congress to let the Colombian military use the 60 or so helicopters given in the name of the drug fight to use in the war. Congress will say yes. Bush also wants Congress to give another $70 million to train a 1,000 man Colombian force to protect an oil pipeline that the smaller ELN likes to blow up.

This presidenatial candidate URIBE is Colombia's best hope. If he asks the organization of American States for troops the U.S. may send in the troops...???? They have to be invited first! Pastrana will not do it or so he says....

Also, Congress this week is asking why the Irish Republican Army sent explosive experts to Colombia to train the FARC on how to make bombs......IRA in Colombia=teach me to make bombs and I give you cocaine which you sell in Europe and Ireland to finance yourselves...all very messy!

[Bill123]

The problem with this is that they could dispatch guards everywhere and still not be able to cover everything. They will find another pipeline, electric tower or dam to attack!

[Lostagain]

Yesterday someone tried to assassinate Alvaro Uribe, the leading presidential candidate, in Baranquilla. They detonated a bomb as he drove by. He escaped unhurt.

As the election approaches, this is not a very good time to visit. If you do, be aware of where you are and stay well clear of political targets such as government offices and political candidates. Given Uribe's position on the FARC, it is likely the attempts will continue, though, according to El Pais, they were not identified as the attackers in this instance.

Two professional killers from a gang of assassins were arrested in connection with the murder of Archbishop Duarte in Cali. Still no clear connection with any political or drug dealing group has been reported.

Chao, Lost Again/Fred

Sound advice from "Lost Again". I couldn´t agree more. There´s a very bad vibe right now in Cali. A lot of police and military walking the streets. Recently I have heard talk on the street of a potential bomb in Unicentro or Chippi Choppi.

I knew things were going to get worse after I left Cali last year. That is why I avoided going back there this time around. I didn't feel any apprehension about being kidnapped or blown up by a car bomb while I was in Central America. Paz. Kev

[Lostagain]

Tonight when I got home from work (about 9:30)I saw double the usual number of soldiers patrolling my neighborhood; once again in combat formation - well spread out. There are a lot more police/army road blocks right now and I am seeing a lot more troops in trucks with ammunition draped all over them. I think Ray is right that Unicentro or Chipichapi are serious potential targets. Unicentro is only a short distance from the Third Brigade's base and recruiting station. It is not a place to linger when you have to pass by on Calle 5. I am having some serious second thoughts about whether I should remain. Mexico seems a lot more attractive right now... and the food is a lot better too.

Chao from Cali,
Lost Again/Fred.

Fred, I tried to call you last week. I´ll try again soon. Your thoughts are very similar to mine. It´s your call.

Costa Rica is nice.