Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BOGOTA2266
2008-06-20 21:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bogota
Cable title:
NO CLEAR SUSPECTS IN RECENT BOGOTA BOMBINGS
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 002266
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV PINR MARR PTER CO
SUBJECT: NO CLEAR SUSPECTS IN RECENT BOGOTA BOMBINGS
Classified By: Political Counselor John Creamer
Reasons 1.4 (b and d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 002266
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV PINR MARR PTER CO
SUBJECT: NO CLEAR SUSPECTS IN RECENT BOGOTA BOMBINGS
Classified By: Political Counselor John Creamer
Reasons 1.4 (b and d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: During the week of June 9-13, Bogota was hit
by four explosions in different neighborhoods, causing
property damage, injuries and one death. Initial reports
indicated that the four explosions may have been the work of
the FARC, but officials told us at least three of the
bombings were likely the work of common criminals involved in
extortion. Police arrested two individuals associated with
the attack on a police station in Suba, but it remains
unclear whether the FARC or criminal groups conducted the
attacks. End Summary.
2. (U) Two bombings occurred during the evening of June 10,
targeting a central Bogota fabric store and a police station
in the north-western Suba section of the capital. The third
and fourth bombings occurred on June 12 in north Bogota. The
initial bombing of the fabric store left an innocent
bystander dead. During the attack on the Suba police
station, 13 police officers were injured, and three vehicles
and eight motorcycles were destroyed.
3. (C) Initial media reports indicated the bombings may have
been associated with FARC Eastern Block commander Jorge
Briceno's ("Mono Jojoy") plans to move into the cities, but
GOC officials are skeptical that FARC militia were
responsible for the bombings. Colonel Fernando Buitrago,
Head of the Colombian National Police (CNP) International
Relations Division, told us that the bombings did not follow
the FARC's modus operandi. He said the FARC is trying to
rebuild its militia presence in Bogota, but the bombings do
not appear to be part of this effort.
4. (C) General Rodolfo Palomino, Head of the Bogota
Metropolitan Police, told us he personally visited each of
the bombing sites. With the possible exception of the attack
on the Suba police station, he concluded that common
criminals were likely responsible for the incidents. In the
case of the fabric store, Palomino said the owner had
received extortion calls for weeks prior to the bombing.
Similarly, the June 12 explosions barely caused any damage
and were likely the work of delinquents or common criminals.
5. (C) In contrast, Palomino said the scope and
sophistication of the police station bombing suggested it
could be the work of FARC militia. The CNP knows the FARC
maintain militias in Bogota, and that the group is trying to
strengthen its presence in the capital. Still, Palomino told
us that CNP officials think a new criminal gang operating in
Suba may also be responsible. The CNP have detained two
suspects, but have not determined if they are connected to
the FARC or other criminal groups. Palomino said the CNP
would continue their investigations.
STANFORD
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV PINR MARR PTER CO
SUBJECT: NO CLEAR SUSPECTS IN RECENT BOGOTA BOMBINGS
Classified By: Political Counselor John Creamer
Reasons 1.4 (b and d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: During the week of June 9-13, Bogota was hit
by four explosions in different neighborhoods, causing
property damage, injuries and one death. Initial reports
indicated that the four explosions may have been the work of
the FARC, but officials told us at least three of the
bombings were likely the work of common criminals involved in
extortion. Police arrested two individuals associated with
the attack on a police station in Suba, but it remains
unclear whether the FARC or criminal groups conducted the
attacks. End Summary.
2. (U) Two bombings occurred during the evening of June 10,
targeting a central Bogota fabric store and a police station
in the north-western Suba section of the capital. The third
and fourth bombings occurred on June 12 in north Bogota. The
initial bombing of the fabric store left an innocent
bystander dead. During the attack on the Suba police
station, 13 police officers were injured, and three vehicles
and eight motorcycles were destroyed.
3. (C) Initial media reports indicated the bombings may have
been associated with FARC Eastern Block commander Jorge
Briceno's ("Mono Jojoy") plans to move into the cities, but
GOC officials are skeptical that FARC militia were
responsible for the bombings. Colonel Fernando Buitrago,
Head of the Colombian National Police (CNP) International
Relations Division, told us that the bombings did not follow
the FARC's modus operandi. He said the FARC is trying to
rebuild its militia presence in Bogota, but the bombings do
not appear to be part of this effort.
4. (C) General Rodolfo Palomino, Head of the Bogota
Metropolitan Police, told us he personally visited each of
the bombing sites. With the possible exception of the attack
on the Suba police station, he concluded that common
criminals were likely responsible for the incidents. In the
case of the fabric store, Palomino said the owner had
received extortion calls for weeks prior to the bombing.
Similarly, the June 12 explosions barely caused any damage
and were likely the work of delinquents or common criminals.
5. (C) In contrast, Palomino said the scope and
sophistication of the police station bombing suggested it
could be the work of FARC militia. The CNP knows the FARC
maintain militias in Bogota, and that the group is trying to
strengthen its presence in the capital. Still, Palomino told
us that CNP officials think a new criminal gang operating in
Suba may also be responsible. The CNP have detained two
suspects, but have not determined if they are connected to
the FARC or other criminal groups. Palomino said the CNP
would continue their investigations.
STANFORD