July 2015, Vol. 242, No. 7
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Colombia's President Blasts Rebels for Causing Oil Spill
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — President Juan Manuel Santos says an oil spill triggered by a rebel attack on a pipeline the worst environmental disaster in Colombia’s history.
Santos made the comments Friday while visiting the southern port city of Tumaco to survey damage from the June 22 bombing by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
Authorities say 10,000 barrels of oil have spilled into the Mira River, leaving about 150,000 people without drinking water. The attack was the latest in a string of FARC offensive actions since the group lifted a unilateral cease-fire in May aimed at giving space to peace talks.
Santos said that the FARC attack is likely to generate widespread rejection among Colombians.
A state of emergency in Tumaco is expected to last 45 days.
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