Colombian rebels hijack bus of presidential candidate supporters

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the biggest rebel group in the country, hijacked a bus with supporters of presidential candidate Rafael Pardo in southwestern Colombia, witnesses said Monday.

Hijacking happened when supporters of the Colombian Liberal Party's candidate were returning home Sunday after a meeting in Santander de Quilichao, said Pardo's debate chief Senator Juan Fernando Cristo.

Rebels seized the bus and asked the passengers to get off. They detailed the driver for a while before finally setting him free.

The FARC rebels used the bus to attack the country's Public Forces, which in recent weeks have stepped up military operations to stop terror attacks and harassments in the area, said Cristo.

In another development, police on Sunday defused an explosive device on a highway Pardo's convoy was expected to take. Authorities are investigating whether the attack was directed at Pardo or police patrols.

Colombia will hold presidential elections on May 30.

Source:Xinhua