Eta Basque rebels leader Josu Ternera arrested in France

Former political leader of the Basque terrorist group Eta has been arrested in France, after 17 years on the run, Spanish government said. Josu Ternera (Jose Antonio Urrutikoetxea) got arrested in Sallanches, after a joined operation by the French-Spanish police.

Josu Ternera who is accused over several Eta killings, was once Eta’s political chief. Eta had waged a violent campaign for Basque independence for more than 40 years. The group announced its disbanding in the year 2018.

More than 800 people were killed by this group during its campaign of violence before declaring a ceasefire in 2011. Spain’s interior ministry said, “The terrorist had been living near Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, an area very popular with those who practise winter sports”. “The village lies very close to the borders between France, Switzerland and Italy” the ministry added.

Image courtesy: elpais. com / images are subject to copyright