(VOVworld) – The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) began Wednesday to surrender their weapons under a landmark peace deal.

A member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia at San José de Oriente, Colombia on February, 1st (Photo: AFP)

This marked the delicate transition from an armed group to a political party following more than half a century at war. After weeks of mustering its troops at designated disarmament zones, the FARC was set to begin inventorying its weapons and destroying munitions under UN supervision. Columbian President Juan Manuel Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in October for his efforts to end Columbia's 53-year conflict, called the disarmament "historic news for Colombians". FARC leader Rodrigo Londono said that the insurgents were laying down their guns with enthusiasm.