Bolivian General Gary Prado Salmón who captured the revolutionary dies
The Bolivian General who captured Cuban revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, and became a hero of the nation at age 84 has passed away.
Gary Prado Salmon, supported by US agents of the secret service, led an operation in Bolivia in 1967 that ended a communist uprising organized by Che Guevara.
During that time, Bolivia was ruled by a military right-wing government.
A day after Guevara’s arrest, an army officer shot and killed the Argentinean-born Guevara.
The Cold War between the US and Soviet Union was at its height and Washington was extremely concerned about communist influence in Latin America, including Che Guevara’s activities.
After the victory of the Cuban revolution in 1959, he left the country to lead guerrilla groups in other countries. He was an ally of Cuban Communist leader Fidel Cuba and became a worldwide hero to communists.
Gen Prado’s son described his father as “an extraordinary person”, who left “a legacy of love, integrity and courage”.