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Colombia Farc chief 'may be dead' Farc leader 'dead' says military
(about 4 hours later)
The Colombian government is investigating a report that the leader of the Farc rebel group is dead, the defence minister has said. The leader of Colombia's largest rebel group, the Farc, has died, the military has claimed in a statement.
Juan Manuel Santos told Semana magazine that Manuel "Sureshot" Marulanda may have died on 26 March, citing "a source who has never failed us". A national news magazine had earlier reported the death of Manuel "Sureshot" Marulanda on 26 March, citing the defence minister, Juan Manuel Santos.
The top rebel commander's death has been rumoured and later disproved several times in the past. There has been no confirmation from guerrilla sources. The top rebel commander's death has been rumoured and disproved several times in the past.
Correspondents say if confirmed the death would be a big blow to the Farc. But correspondents say the death would be a big blow to the Farc if confirmed.
Marulanda, whose real name is Pedro Antonio Marin, has led the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, since its foundation in 1964. Mr Marulanda, whose real name is Pedro Antonio Marin, has led the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, since its foundation in 1964.
Marulanda is thought to be 78 years old and there have been persistent rumours of ill health, including evidence that suggested he had prostate cancer. He is thought to be 78 years old and there have been persistent rumours of ill health, including evidence that suggested he had prostate cancer.
Mr Manual Santos said reports from guerrillas suggested Marulanda died of a heart attack, although he also told the magazine that three bombing raids had targeted the rebel chief on the date in question. Mr Manuel Santos said reports from guerrillas suggested Mr Marulanda died of a heart attack, although he also told the Semana news magazine that three bombing raids had targeted the rebel chief on the date in question.
The BBC's Jeremy McDermott in Bogota says the 44-year-old rebel movement is currently suffering its worst period yet, with two top commanders dead and others surrendered. The BBC's Jeremy McDermott, in Bogota, says the 44-year-old rebel movement is currently suffering its worst period yet, with two top commanders dead and others surrendered.
If confirmed, the death of Mr Marulanda could lead to more desertions and the eventual break-up of the Farc, our correspondent adds.