Colombian rebel commander gives up

BOGOTA, May 19 (UPI) -- A battle-hardened, top female commander for the tenacious leftist Colombian rebel organization known as FARC has surrendered, authorities say.

Eldaneyis Mosquera, also known as Karina, is blamed for murders, kidnappings and extortion in Antioquia in northwestern Colombia where she had been in charge of the FARC forces, the BBC reported. Details of her surrender were not provided but her capture had been a high priority for Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, the British network said.

The Colombian government had offered an $800,000 reward for Mosquera, who had lost an eye, had been shot in the arm and had scars on her face from her time in combat, the BBC said.

FARC has sought to overthrow the government for more than 40 years. Women reportedly make up at least a third of its forces.