Terrorism in Colombia
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Terrorism in Colombia has occurred repeatedly for the last several decades, largely in part due to the ongoing armed conflict the country has been involved in since 1964. Perpetrators of terrorist acts in the country range from leftist guerilla forces such as the FARC, ELN and M-19, to drug cartels such as the Medellín Cartel, to right-wing paramilitary forces such as the AUC.
Terror groups
Notable groups involve in terror attacks include:
- Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
- National Liberation Army (ELN)
- 19th of April Movement (M19)
- Medellin Cartel
- AUC
Counterterrorism efforts
In recent years, the number of known and suspected terrorists killed, captured, or surrendered fell as terror groups changed their tactics, while casualties rose. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) reverted to hit and run attacks rather than engage in large unit encounters.[1]
In November, 2011, security forces killed FARC leader Guillermo León Sáenz Vargas, also known as "Alfonso Cano."[1]
Demobilization and reintegration efforts
Colombia has employed a multi-agency approach to countering radicalization and discouraging violent extremism. The government's program focuses on encouraging individual members units of the FARC and ELN to demobilize and reintegrate into society. Demobilization and reintegration programs provide medical care, psychological counseling, education benefits, and job placement assistance. Recidivism rates were estimated at between 10 and 20 percent by the Colombian Agency for Reintegration. Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has organized a number of public festivals and social events with celebrity participation to discourage the recruitment of vulnerable youth.[2]
In 2013, a total of 1,350 FARC and ELN members had demobilized.[2]
Terrorist attacks
2011
- February 11, 2011 – Five civilians were killed in San Miguel, Putumayo in a mortar attack. The mortar was fired by suspected FARC terrorists and landed near a police post along with a baby.[1]
- June 25, 2011 – Suspected ELN rebels attacked a police outpost in Colon Genova, Narino, using explosives and small-arms fire. Eight civilians were killed.[1]
- September 18, 2011 – Several mortars were launched at a Colombian Army base in La Macarena, Meta Department. The attack resulted in several civilians injured.[1]
- October 30, 2011 – The armored convoy of Albeiro Vanegas, Vice President of the House of Representatives was attacked by suspected ELN terrorists. Vanegas was unharmed, but his driver was killed.[1]
2017
- June 17, 2017 – An explosion at the Andino shopping mall center killed 3 people. The attack was condemned as a terrorist attack and the authors remain unknown.[3]
2018
- January 27, 2018 – Two hand grenades were thrown at the police stations of Barranquilla and Santa Rosa del Sur killing seven officers and one perpetrator. The ELN was responsible for the attack.[4]
2019
- January 17, 2019 – The guerrilla rebel group ELN took the responsibility of the explosion of a car bomb inside the General Santander National Police Academy. The attack resulted in 21 people killed and several more injured.[5]
See also
- Crime in Colombia
- Narcoterrorism in Colombia
- Colombian conflict (1964–present)
- Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
- Right-wing terrorism in Colombia
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Chapter 2: Country Reports, Western Hemisphere Review. 2011 Incidents." US State Department. Accessed January 30, 2015.
- ^ a b "2013 Report." State Department. Accessed February 11, 2015.
- ^ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/17/world/americas/colombia-explosion-shopping-center-bogota.html
- ^ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/28/world/americas/colombia-police-bombings.html
- ^ https://www.wsj.com/articles/colombian-rebel-group-claims-responsibility-for-police-academy-attack-11548098014