FARC Members Hold Parade for Deceased Explosives Expert
Members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) conducted a procession in honor of an explosives expert recently killed during a botched attack on a police station. The event occurred in Huila province, where FARC members, heavily armed, fired shots into the air, set off fireworks, and played music, which upset local residents.
Reports indicate that the funeral was for Emmanuel Marin, a 21-year-old known for his skills with explosives, also called “El Flaco.” Marin belonged to the Isaías Pardo Front, one of the various factions of FARC, which operates in southwestern Colombia under the leadership of Ivan Mordisco. His death occurred on Friday night when police thwarted a FARC attempt to capture a police station in Tessalia.
The FARC used explosives and long-range weapons in the assault, but police successfully defended the station. Although the assailants fled the scene, they set fire to vehicles in an effort to evade pursuing officers. It was reported that Marin sustained several gunshot wounds during the incident, and FARC members dragged him away.
Video footage has surfaced showing FARC members in military attire bidding farewell to Marin. The video, which went viral, depicted the group transporting his coffin in a truck adorned with the Colombian flag and white balloons, creating a stir just hours after the attack on the police station.
Juan Carlos Casaras, the security secretary of Furia state, confirmed that the video was indeed from Marin’s funeral procession. He noted that the footage was recorded by a bystander in Rionegro, Huila. Casaras also commented on the age of those involved in the group, stating that many are young recruits misled by local authorities.
Details shared with local media revealed that FARC had attempted to kill “at least 10” police officers using explosives in their failed operation. Emmanuel “El Flaco” Marin was believed to have been born in Páez, Cauca, and was presumed dead several hours after being injured during the attack. The Colombian government indicated that the assault was ordered by the faction’s leader, who had plans to breach the police station using an explosive-laden cylinder.
Ultimately, the police killed three other FARC members during the attack, and upon retreating, the remaining members took various explosives and weapons with them. The local police commander noted that officers responded effectively, ensuring no further casualties on their side.
FARC, a Marxist group founded in the 1960s, claimed to have renounced terrorism and disarmed in 2016 as part of a peace agreement with the Colombian government, an effort that led to a Nobel Peace Prize for then-President Juan Manuel Santos. However, despite this supposed disarmament, FARC remains active in various forms of violent activities across Colombia, highlighting ongoing tensions and conflicts.
The Colombian government asserts that these factions are “dissidents,” arguing that the legitimate leadership of FARC operates from Bogotá.
