19 Oct 2017 | 12:14 PM UTC
Paraguay: EPP militant arrested in Canindeyu Oct. 18
Member of Paraguayan People's Army (EPP) rebel group arrested on October 18 on kidnapping charges; retaliatory attacks possible
Event
According to the Ministry of the Interior, a suspected member of the Paraguayan People's Army (EPP) rebel group was arrested early on Wednesday, October 18. The arrest was conducted in the district of Táva Jópoi, located in Canindeyu department. The suspect is believed to have been involved in a for-ransom abduction carried out in July 2016, and has also been charged with extortion and terrorism.
The man is reportedly the uncle of an EPP leader and, as such, retaliatory attacks against security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
The EPP, Paraguay’s most prominent guerrilla organization, is mainly present in the northeastern departments of Concepción, Canindeyú, and San Pedro. While guerrilla groups in Paraguay are relatively small and inactive (the EPP is believed to have between 50 and 150 members), they do occasionally carry out kidnappings and attacks, notably against security forces. The EPP has been active since 2008 and is believed to have been responsible for 50 deaths since its founding.
Advice
Individuals in Paraguay are advised to keep abreast of the situation via local media reports.
