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Basenshukai · 05-07-2005, 20:02

The following is a translation of an article in one of the two most popular Colombian news organizations. I didn't want to put a link, or mention the source to it, because the Colombian news media essentially threw OPSEC out the window and published their names, rank, unit and color photos of both US soldiers along with this story (!).

Prior to reading this ... for those that don't know: Based on my limited experience, Colombian media is largely, by our definition, liberal left-wing. Also, Colombian authorities tend to jump to conclusions early on. And, when there is a "gringo" to be blamed, they jump at the opportunity if it allows them to come out looking better in the end. I'm not making a blanket statement about all Colombians. This is just what I've experienced from their military and governmental organizations. For what it's worth.

May 7, 2005

BOGOTA (Major Colombian News Organization) - After four days of investigation, the Colombian authorities have been able to reconstruct the way in which they [the accused US soldiers] removed the ammunition from the Tolemaida Military Base and would send it to the Paramilitaries in Magdalena Medio.

Since the two soldiers worked in the marksmanship training of the Colombian soldiers, they would request ammunition, which would then be removed from storage. However, they [the accused US soldiers] would only use one third of the amount requested. The rest was removed in pick-up trucks, which were not inspected.

The Justice Department [Colombian Justice Department] points out that for four months, the foreign military personnel and their accomplices were negotiating a business agreement with the AUC. Once the ammunition arrived at the house in the condominium where the arrests were made, they [the accused] would hide it while they settled their business deal – which was also being negotiated in the same place.

In order to remove the ammunition, they would use a green pick-up truck that has been impounded by the authorities. One of the investigators revealed to [major Colombian news organization] that they [the accused] would mix the ammunition with rice husk or sawdust in the vehicle that would transport it [the ammunition] to La Dorada, in Caldas [a department – a state – in Colombia].

The plan fell apart when the [Colombian] Highway Patrol detected the vehicle and captured Carlos Julio Gualteros and Juan Carlos Arenas Rojas [these two are Colombian nationals and NOT the US soldiers]. After various communications, two undercover agents arrived at the civilian home and pretended to be potential buyers.

There, a Colombian Army NCO – whom was watching over the ammunition – opened the door and there, in the interior of the home, were the two US military personnel.

05-07-2005, 20:02	#21
Basenshukai Quiet Professional Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 931	The following is a translation of an article in one of the two most popular Colombian news organizations. I didn't want to put a link, or mention the source to it, because the Colombian news media essentially threw OPSEC out the window and published their names, rank, unit and color photos of both US soldiers along with this story (!). Prior to reading this ... for those that don't know: Based on my limited experience, Colombian media is largely, by our definition, liberal left-wing. Also, Colombian authorities tend to jump to conclusions early on. And, when there is a "gringo" to be blamed, they jump at the opportunity if it allows them to come out looking better in the end. I'm not making a blanket statement about all Colombians. This is just what I've experienced from their military and governmental organizations. For what it's worth. May 7, 2005 BOGOTA (Major Colombian News Organization) - After four days of investigation, the Colombian authorities have been able to reconstruct the way in which they [the accused US soldiers] removed the ammunition from the Tolemaida Military Base and would send it to the Paramilitaries in Magdalena Medio. Since the two soldiers worked in the marksmanship training of the Colombian soldiers, they would request ammunition, which would then be removed from storage. However, they [the accused US soldiers] would only use one third of the amount requested. The rest was removed in pick-up trucks, which were not inspected. The Justice Department [Colombian Justice Department] points out that for four months, the foreign military personnel and their accomplices were negotiating a business agreement with the AUC. Once the ammunition arrived at the house in the condominium where the arrests were made, they [the accused] would hide it while they settled their business deal – which was also being negotiated in the same place. In order to remove the ammunition, they would use a green pick-up truck that has been impounded by the authorities. One of the investigators revealed to [major Colombian news organization] that they [the accused] would mix the ammunition with rice husk or sawdust in the vehicle that would transport it [the ammunition] to La Dorada, in Caldas [a department – a state – in Colombia]. The plan fell apart when the [Colombian] Highway Patrol detected the vehicle and captured Carlos Julio Gualteros and Juan Carlos Arenas Rojas [these two are Colombian nationals and NOT the US soldiers]. After various communications, two undercover agents arrived at the civilian home and pretended to be potential buyers. There, a Colombian Army NCO – whom was watching over the ammunition – opened the door and there, in the interior of the home, were the two US military personnel. __________________ - Retired Special Forces Officer - Special Forces Association Lifetime Member Last edited by Basenshukai; 05-07-2005 at 20:09.
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