Rubio, Cruz Introduce Bill to Reimpose Terrorism Sanctions on the FARC

Press Release

On November 30, 2021 the Biden Administration removed the Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) criticized the decision, calling it "a step backwards for the stability and security of Colombia."

In response, Rubio and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a bill to reimpose terrorism sanctions on the FARC and re-designate the guerilla group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The bill would also impose terrorism sanctions on seven individuals affiliated with the group. Five of these individuals were recently summoned by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace for their involvement in the trafficking and forced recruitment of children.

The seven individuals are:
José Benito Cabrera Cuevas (Alias Fabián Ramírez)
Erasmo Traslavina Benavides (Alias Jimmy Guerrero)
Emiro Ropero (Alias Rubén Zamora)
Guillermo Enrique Torres Cueter (Alias Julián Conrado)
Rodrigo Granda (Alias Gallopinto)
Piedad Córdoba
Sandra Ramírez Lobo Silva (Alias Griselda Lobo)
"For decades, the Colombian people have been innocent targets of the FARC's terrorist attacks. The Biden Administration's decision to delist this guerilla group as a Foreign Terrorist organization, not only failed the Colombian-American community but also set back our region's security. This bill will also ensure the State Department submits a report on seven individuals' ties to the FARC, including Sandra Ramirez Lobo Silva and Piedad Córdoba. Since Córdoba's ties to the FARC are well known, she can expect to be subject to U.S. sanctions if it is enacted." -- Senator Rubio

"The Biden Administration's reckless decision to dismantle terrorism sanctions on the FARC has already created catastrophes. It fueled leftwing movements throughout the Western Hemisphere but especially in Colombia, contributing to the momentum that brought a hard-left anti-American government to power. The FARC is responsible for some of the most heinous acts of terror in the western hemisphere, and this decision gave up a key tool through which the U.S. was holding FARC terrorists accountable. My bill will begin to repair the damage of this decision." -- Senator Cruz

Source