Colombian Rebels Face U.S. Charges
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WASHINGTON — Leaders of a Colombian rebel group listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. were charged with drug trafficking and kidnapping Americans, in federal indictments unsealed Wednesday.
The charges were brought against members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which is battling the Colombian government.
Jorge Briceno, a.k.a. Mono Jojoy, described as the military commander of the FARC, is charged with conspiring to kidnap Americans Jerel Shaffer and Earl Goen from a Venezuelan fishing camp in 1997. Shaffer was held hostage for nine months, until a $1-million ransom was paid. Goen was freed quickly.
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