Colombian rebel leader confirmed dead

BOGOTA, May 26 (UPI) -- The longtime leader of Colombia's largest rebel group died of natural causes, a senior member of the group announced.

Manuel "Sure Shot" Marulanda died in late March surrounded by members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, said Timoleon Jimenez in an announcement broadcast throughout Latin America, El Tiempo reported Monday.

Marulanda was one of the founding members of the FARC in 1964. He was said to be either 78 or 80 years old.

Over the weekend, Colombian defense officials said they had information about the death of Marulanda, though FARC leaders would not confirm their leader's death until Sunday.