Top Colombian gunman goes into hiding
Bogota, , Apr. 20 (UPI) -- One of Colombia's top paramilitary leaders has gone underground following an assassination attempt on him, local news sources reported Tuesday.
Yet unknown assailants opened fired on Carlos Castano last week. Though he escaped, several of his bodyguards were killed.
El Espectador reported Castano's wife said her husband had not been seen following the early Friday morning shootout.
In additional to his reputation as one of Colombia's leading cocaine smugglers, Castano is the founder and leader of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, or AUC, a right-wing paramilitary group fighting against the nation's left-wing rebels.
The group, however, was in the midst of talks with the Colombian government about putting down their arms and demobilizing its 13,000 soldiers.
There is speculation elements within the AUC wanted Castano dead, fearful he was set to cut a deal with the United States where he is wanted on drug smuggling charges.
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