FARC: Capture police are prisoners of war

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BOGOTA, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The Colombian terror group known as FARC defended its recent kidnapping of two security officials by claiming they were prisoners of war.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, currently in peace negotiations with the Colombian government, allegedly released the statement late Tuesday.

"We reserve the right to capture as prisoners members of the security forces who have surrendered in combat. They are called prisoners of war, and this phenomenon occurs in every conflict in the world," FARC said.

The terrorist organization also said it repeatedly and unsuccessfully asked the Colombian government to participate in a prisoner swap.

Colombia Reports also said pamphlets allegedly issued by FARC warned of a three-week shutdown of the road linking western Colombia with the rest of the country. The leaflets said FARC would consider any vehicle traveling between the cities of Quibdo and Pereira Feb. 1-20 as "military targets."

While Gen. Jose Roberto Leon, commander of Colombia's National Police, said he considered the threat a "paper strike," he said he ordered reinforced security in several municipalities along the highway.