The bodies could have been buried between 2002 and 2005 supposedly by FARC guerrillas. The mass graves were discovered in an area in the south of the country. The Colombian government has moved in to investigate in the municipality of La Macarena after allegations which villagers relayed to an NGO that advocates human rights. According to sources, one of the gravediggers had earlier admitted burying bodies between 2002 and 2005. The majority of victims could be combatants from armed groups clash when the then President Andres Pastrana (1999-2002) ended the demilitarized zone.

When several police officers previously kept hostage by the FARC left the jungle a few weeks ago, after years of captivity, they said they had seen many bodies buried in southern Colombia. Just like paramilitaries or death squads murdered anyone connected with the guerrillas, the FARC also buried people alive.

There are historical coincidences that might suggest the worst scenarios. In 2002, the peace process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) ended after almost four years. They went free and without control in what became known as the demilitarized zone, an area the size of Switzerland. During that time, the FARC became the owners of the cocaine business. Also in this area, they hid their kidnapped victims, as well as buried the money from their extortion activities.

Although the process of exhumation, identification and recovery will start next week, authorities admit that it will not be easy to enter. In the south, rebels still operate several fronts that could hinder the operation.

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Via Colombia Reports