93 Prisoners Escape in Prison Break in Colombia

INTERNATIONAL February 1995

Rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces stormed a prison on the island of Mocoa, about 310 miles south of Bogota, freeing 93 inmates ("Rebels Free 93 Inmates From Prison in Colombia," New York Times, Jan. 9, 1995, p. A7).

Police say that 60 rebels overpowered the guards on duty, making off with 20 rifles and pistols. 35 of the escaped prisoners reportedly returned to the prison, claiming that they had been forced to leave with the rebels. Most of the escapees were being held on drug charges.