15 IRA members 'trained Colombian rebels'

Up to 15 IRA members have visited Colombia since 1998 to train FARC rebels as part of a global terror network, claims a report by the US Congress.

The report said the Provisionals trained the Marxist group in urban terrorist tactics and possibly used jungles as a location to test and improve its own weapons and techniques.

The results of the investigation by the House International Relations Committee found the republicans may also have joined Iranians, Cubans and members of Eta in what was described as a "potential breeding ground for international terror equal perhaps only by Afghanistan".

The committee launched the inquiry after three Irishmen were arrested in Colombia last August suspected of training FARC rebels.

The report added: "Neither committee investigators nor the Colombians can find credible explanations for the increased, more sophisticated capacity for the specific terror tactics now being employed by the FARC, other than IRA training."

The report recommended that the developments in Colombia must be addressed by changes in US law that will permit American assistance for counter-terrorism programmes.

The report was published at a congressional hearing aimed at investigating the alleged links between the IRA and Colombian rebels, which is being held in the absence of Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

The West Belfast MP declined to testify, claiming his testimony could prejudice the trial of the three Irish suspects held in Colombia.