Colombia's Farc rebels have handed over almost all of their weapons, says UN
Announcement comes a day before country's president meets top commander
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leftist rebels in Colombia have handed over almost all of their fighters' weapons as part of a historic peace deal reached with the government last year, the United Nations has said.
The UN said it had received 7,132 weapons belonging to fighters with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc.
A smaller number of weapons will remain in the hands of guerrillas for another month providing protection at 26 rural camps where the Farc's 7,000 fighters are making their transition to civilian life.
The announcement comes a day before President Juan Manuel Santos and the Farc's top commander Timochenko are meeting in one of the rural camps to commemorate the completion of the disarmament process.
The rebels were supposed to have turned in all of their weapons by the end of May under the original terms of the peace deal signed last year to end Colombia's long-running conflict, but there have been numerous delays.
The first year of implementing the peace deal has been behind schedule on everything from building demobilisation zones to passing laws to implement the accords.
Nonetheless both the Farc and the government say they are making steady progress as the rebels begin their transition to civilian life.
Associated Press
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments