The Pentagon has confirmed that at least seven of the former Colombian army officers detained for their role in the July 7 assassination of the Haitian president had received US-funded military training.
“Thus far, we’ve identified seven individuals who were former members of the Colombian military that had received some sort of … US-funded and provided education and training,” Pentagon’s Press Secretary John Kirby.
He said he knows of no current plans “for us to reconsider or to change this very valuable, ethical leadership training” after the brutal assassination operation in Haiti, which also exposed the involvement of a number of American citizens.
The Pentagon had admitted last week that a small number of the now 26 people arrested following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse had received previous US military training, but declined to provide further details at the time.
Those arrested so far in the case include 18 Colombians — at least 13 of whom are former Colombian military officers — five Haitians and three American citizens, according US press reports.