Special+Conflits


 * Specific ** **Conflicts** - Nathaniel
 * 1) FARC - Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
 * Marxist/Leninist revolutionary guerrilla organization based in Colombia
 * peasant army claimed to of Bolivarian inspiration
 * claims to represent the rural poor
 * are against the wealthier classes of Colombia
 * oppose US influence in Colombia
 * achieve their goals through violence
 * funds itself through
 * ransom money
 * gold mining
 * production and distribution of illegal drugs such as COCAINE
 * estimated organization size in 2010 (many different estimations of numbers)
 * 9,000 armed combatants
 * 9,000 plain clothes malitia who provide intelligence and logistical support
 * power diminishing since President Uribe (2002) who took harsh stance on group
 * they retreated into the mountains of Colombia
 * Together with the National Liberation Army, an estimated 30% - 40% of Colombia is occupied
 * Created as the military power of the Colombian Communist Party
 * Labeled as terrorist group by most government the Colombian government, the United States Department of State, the Canadian government, the Chilean government, the New Zealand Government, and the European Union
 * Hugo Chavez publicly rejected their classification as terrorists and said he considers them ‘real armies’ and called on Colombia to recognize them as a ‘belligerent force’ in 2008
 * Leader recently killed by Colombian army that may weaken the group
 * 1) 2. National Liberation Army
 * Marxist guerrilla group
 * Operate in several regions in Colombia
 * Estimated 5,000 guerillas
 * Inspired and started on liberation theology