Summary

Footage Information

ABCNEWS VideoSource
Colombia Drug Plane - Security forces attack suspected drug plane
01/09/2005
APTN
VSAP438794
NAME: COL DRUG PLANE 090105N TAPE: EF05/0030 IN_TIME: 10:00:09:00 DURATION: 00:01:52:19 SOURCES: AIR FORCE DATELINE: Antioquia - 8 Jan 2005 RESTRICTIONS: SHOTLIST: ?? as incoming 1. Mid shot of plane flying 2. Various of plane landing 3. Various of plane stationary 4. Various of plane being fired on, followed by explosion on the plane 5. Various of plane on fire STORYLINE: The Colombian Air Force on Saturday released a video of an assault on a suspected drug plane in Antioquia, about 450 kilometres (280 miles) northwest of Bogota, after the crew allegedly refused to provide identification. The footage showed a white private plane landing on an airstrip and being hit on the ground by fire from Colombian armed forces. The attack was followed by various explosions and a fire breaking out on the plane. Last year General Edgar Lesmez, the chief of the Colombia's air force said that his forces would take a tough stance in stopping drug smugglers now that President Bush has authorised the resumption of US drug surveillance flights over Colombia. The surveillance flights were suspended two-and-half years ago after a US missionary plane was mistakenly shot down over Peru. Colombia was unable to continue effective operations against drug flights in the absence of US intelligence. Under new guidelines, only the commander of the Colombian Air force can give the order to shoot down a suspicious plane, and only if the plane has ignored radio warnings and warning shots from Colombian warplanes. Last year 38 illegal planes belonging to the rebel groups were shot down and destroyed.
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