BOGOTÁ -- Colombia hailed the death last month of a top rebel commander as the most significant blow against the guerilla insurgency in its 46-year history. Jorge Briceno Suarez, known as Mono Jojoy, was the No. 2 leader of Colombia's largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
"The symbol of terrorism in Colombia has fallen," said Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, who ordered the air strike on the jungle guerrilla camp.
Mono Jojoy was a veteran leader who was considered invincible. He masterminded a series of fatal attacks on southern towns and military bases during the 1990s and took hundreds hostage, including Colombian politicians and three U.S. contractors.