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Colombian Rebel Chief Surrenders

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Los Angeles Times

Published: May 20, 2008

BOGOTA, Colombia - A high-ranking Colombian rebel leader has given herself up, the latest defection to suggest that the government's efforts to strike at the group's leadership is succeeding.

Analysts said the surrender of Nelly Avila Moreno, alias Karina, is a blow to the morale of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, in whose ranks she fought for 24 years, earning a reputation as a fierce and resourceful leader.

Moreno's surrender Sunday afternoon in southern Antioquia state brings to six the number of commanders who have surrendered, been killed or captured in the past year.

Her partner Abelardo Montes, alias "Michin," and a daughter also surrendered to undercover Colombian police.

Moreno, 40, was one of the bloodiest and most feared rebel commanders, and officials suspect her of having orchestrated mass murders and summary executions. Among the half-dozen criminal charges pending against her are murder, terrorism, drug trafficking and human-rights abuses.
Government sources did say that Moreno negotiated her surrender over the course of two weeks.

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