Specific+Conflicts

· 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 2. National Liberation Army · Marxist guerrilla group · Operate in several regions in Colombia · Estimated 5,000 guerillas · Inspired and started on liberation theology
 * 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
 * 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