Bodies of seven hostages found in Colombia
Colombian authorities have found seven
bodies that were identified as ranchers and employees kidnapped on Jan.
7, said the Attorney General's office on Saturday.
The decomposed bodies were found hidden in bushes in a rural estate of
the municipality of Bugalagrande, Valle del Cauca department, the office
said.
Major Jorge Hernan, head of the anti-kidnapping group of the department,
said the kidnappers demanded over 100,000 dollars in ransom, adding that
the bodies were spotted thanks to informers.
The crime was suspectedly committed by the paramilitaries of the United
Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) who have returned to civilian
life, said the police.
Peace negotiations since mid-2003 between the government and the AUC
have led to 5,000 far-right fighters handing in their arms. The AUC has
been cited as a "terrorist" organization by the United States,
The prospect of laying down their weapons as part of a peace deal has
led some AUC members to seek alternative employment in kidnapping and
extortion, analysts say.
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