Letters to the Messenger

US’s Colombian Paramilitaries

Excellent article, congratulations! It can help many people to understand Colombia and the US role in its bloody confrontation [“US Steps Up Intervention in Colombia,” Nov. 99].

Since you seem worried about that country's future, as a journalist, may I suggest you to follow up and write about one more of the causes of today's Colombia war (or struggle of social classes): there are some US allies that have been sending mercenaries to develop paramilitary right wing groups.

Recently one of those involved in such terrorist actions was captured in Sierra Leone (Africa) while training and advising mercenaries: Lt. Colonel Yahir Klain (or Klein). This guy was famous for his direct participation in training Pablo Escobar's Sicarios bands (paramilitary type of hit men)... so, please: it would be great to see one of your contributions to clarify who's behind this mercenary.
—Rachel Rocela
via e-mail