September has been one of the bloodiest months on record in recent years for Colombia’s armed forces with guerrilla ambushes taking the lives of 37 security forces personnel, the majority policemen, Vanguardia Liberal reported.
The three rebel armies left operating in Colombia — the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and the Popular Liberation Army (EPL) — are responsible for the attacks that stretch from north to south and cross two national borders. Authorities say Guillermo Leon Saenz, alias “Alfonso Cano,” is responsible for the coordination of the groups, who are seeking to test the new administration of Juan Manuel Santos.
SEE ALSO: FARC News and Profile
The last attacks in the south came from Ecuador, authorities stated, illustrating how strategically important the dense jungle regions along the country’s fringes have become to rebel strategy and survival. The story, citing a government and Interpol report, added that 633 police have lost their lives in guerrilla attacks since January 2003.