Leader Pedro Antonio Mar铆n, known as "Manuel 'Sureshot' Marulanda,鈥� died in March of 2008 of what was diagnosed as a heart attack. It was a huge psychological blow to the organization, as Mr. Marulanda was the last figure who hailed back to the group鈥檚 peasant origins.
He gained mythical status among those who support the rebels, and is believed to have spent his entire life in the countryside waging his battle.
Together with the FARC鈥檚 loss of its two other major figures, Ra煤l Reyes and Iv谩n R铆os, Marulanda's death made 2008 the most devastating year for the FARC in its history.
