Colombian 'rebel leader' detained

By Jeremy McDermott
BBC correspondent in Colombia

Marin is a top suspect, say the authorities

Colombia's secret police have captured a man they insist is a top guerrilla commander in the capital, Bogota.

Wilmer Antonio Marin is accused of being a senior commander in the FARC or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

He is believed to be responsible for the bombing of the El Nogal nightclub in February this year which killed 35 and wounded over 160.

He is also accused of a number of kidnappings, including that of a Japanese businessman.

The authorities are claiming to have struck a serious blow to the FARC's urban network in Bogota.

Wilmer Antonio Marin, alias Hugo, is believed to run several kidnapping networks that target rich businessmen and foreigners, snatch them from the streets and whisk them up to the guerrilla's mountain strongholds outside the capital.

He is accused of the abducting Chikao Muramatsu, for whom a $19m ransom was demanded.

The body of the Japanese businessman was found last month shot by the guerrillas.