22 Colombian Soldiers Arrested over 'False Positive' Scandal

Over 3,000 people were killed between 2002 to 2008, in an attempt to falsely portray high casualities against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebel group.

Published 2 September 2015

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The Colombian army carried out extrajudicial killings of campesinos, who were then falsely labeled as guerrillas killed in battle.

Colombian prosecutors detained 22 military personnel on Wednesday in connection with the “false positives” scandal.

The arrests in Antioquia and Cesar related to the murders by the army of 18 innocent campesinos who were presented as guerrillas killed in combat.

Over 3,000 people were killed this way between 2002 to 2008, in an attempt to portray the war against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebel group as more successful.

A report published in June showed that these killings happened while U.S. troops were deployed in Colombia, working with the Colombian army. Furthermore, top generals Jaime Lasprilla and Juan Pablo Rodriguez, were also implicated in the scandal.

The investigation continues.

WATCH: Inside The Americas - The False-Positives Scandal