Terrorism in Colombia
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Terrorism in Colombiahas occurred repeatedly during the last several decades, largely due to theongoing armed conflictthe country has been involved in since 1964. Perpetrators ofterroristacts in the country range fromleftistguerillaforces includingFARC,ELNandM-19,todrug cartelssuch as theMedellín Cartel,toright-wing paramilitaryforces including theAUC.
Terror groups[edit]
Notable groups involved in terror attacks include:
- Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia(FARC)
- National Liberation Army(ELN)
- 19th of April Movement(M19)
- Medellin Cartel
- AUC
Counterterrorism efforts[edit]
During the early 21st century, the number of known and suspected terrorists killed, captured, or surrendered fell asterror groupschanged their tactics, while casualties rose. TheRevolutionary 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 leaderGuillermo León Sáenz Vargas,also known as "Alfonso Cano."[1]
Demobilization and reintegration efforts[edit]
Colombia has employed a multi-agency approach to countering radicalization and discouragingviolent extremism.Thegovernment's program focuses on encouraging individual members units of the FARC and ELN to demobilize and reintegrate into society.Demobilizationand reintegration programs provide medical care,psychological counseling,education benefits, andjob placementassistance. 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 publicfestivalsand 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]
Attacks[edit]
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2011[edit]
- February 11, 2011– Fivecivilianswere killed in San Miguel, Putumayo in amortarattack. 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 anarmybase inLa Macarena,Meta Department.The attack injured several civilians.[1]
- October 30, 2011– The armored convoy ofAlbeiro Vanegas,Vice President of the House of Representatives was attacked by suspected ELN terrorists. Vanegas was unharmed, but his driver was killed.[1]
2017[edit]
- June 17, 2017:Centro Andino bombing– An explosion at theCentro Andinoshopping mallkilled 3 people. The attack was condemned as a terrorist attack and the authors remain unknown.[3]
2018[edit]
- January 27, 2018:2018 Colombia police stations attacks– Two handgrenadeswere thrown at thepolice stationsofBarranquillaandSanta Rosa del Sur,killing seven officers and one perpetrator. The ELN was responsible for the attack.[4]
2019[edit]
- January 17, 2019:2019 Bogotá car bombing– The guerrilla rebel group ELN took the responsibility of theexplosionof acar bombinside theGeneral Santander National Police Academy.The attack killed 21 people and injured several others.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^abcdef"Chapter 2: Country Reports, Western Hemisphere Review. 2011 Incidents."US State Department.Accessed January 30, 2015.
- ^ab"2013 Report."State Department. Accessed February 11, 2015.
- ^"Shopping Center Blast in Colombia Kills 3 and Injures 9".The New York Times.18 June 2017.
- ^Daniels, Joe Parkin (28 January 2018)."Colombia Police Station Bombings Kill 7 Officers".The New York Times.
- ^Vyas, Kejal (22 January 2019)."Colombian Rebel Group Claims Responsibility for Police Bombing".Wall Street Journal.
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