BOGOTA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Dissidents of the disarmed Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group on Tuesday confirmed the death of their top leader, Miguel Botache Santanilla, alias "Gentil Duarte," who according to the group was killed at a rebel camp by the Colombian authorities.
"We recognize that it is a severe blow to the guerrilla movement, not only for the FARC-EP (People's Army), but for all guerrillas nationwide and around the world," the dissident group said in a statement.
According to the group, "Duarte" died May 4 while he slept at the camp, whose location they did not disclose.
Colombian authorities said on May 25 that "Duarte" died during an incursion by another FARC dissident group, and Colombian President Ivan Duque hailed his death as "great news" for the South American country.
The FARC laid down their weapons in 2016 following a peace deal with the government and transitioned into a left-wing political party. Rebels that disagreed with the move formed dissident groups that continue their anti-government fighting. ■
