One farmer has died and another was injured in the municipality of Ituango, northern Antioquia, after stepping on a landmine alleged to belong to the FARC.
The deceased man, Jorge Luis Simanca Durango, 27, lost both legs as a result of the explosion and died on his way to hospital. Raul Antonio Olarte Henao, 17, received shrapnel wounds to the back though survived the incident, Caracol Radio reported Sunday.
Authorities have placed responsibility with the FARC’s 18th Front who are known to operate in the area.
In March, the army successfully removed over 270 FARC landmines from the southern department of Putumayo. However, casualties from the explosive devices remains high in Colombia, with 2009 reporting 674 of which 34% were civilians.
As of March 1, 2011, Colombia has a 10 year deadline to clear all remaining landmines under the Mine Ban Treaty. However, this time span has been criticized by NGOs who say that a more concerted effort should be made to ensure all mines are cleared within a period of three years
