FARC: Revolutionary Armed Forces Of Colombia By Jenis Argueta-Amaya & Nicole Bravo

What is terrorism? Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. Reflection: Terrorism in my opinion means using negative forces to gain something in return. Targeting a group of people.

Introduction to the FARC Colombia, one of the closest U.S. allies in Latin America, has been wasted for decades by a civil war pitting left-wing guerrilla groups against right-wing paramilitary organizations. It operates in roughly one-third of the country, mostly in the jungles of the south and east. According to the Colombian government, the group had roughly 16,000 members in 2001.

Funding FARC takes in between $500 million and $600 million annually from illegal drug trade. The FARC also profits from kidnappings, extortion schemes, and an unofficial "tax" it charges in the countryside for "protection" and social services.

Goals of the FARC They represent the rural poor against Colombia’s wealthy classes and oppose U.S. influence in Colombia, the transfer of natural resources, multinational corporations, and rightist violence. FARC tactics include: Bombings Murder Mortar attacks Kidnapping Extortion Hijacking

Terrorist Activities According to a 2006 U.S. Department of Justice indictment, the FARC supplies more than 50 percent of the world's cocaine. A 2009 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office says the FARC accounts for 60% of the total cocaine exported from Colombia to the United States.

Terrorist Attack In November 2005, kidnapping of 60 people, many of whom are being held hostage by the FARC until the government decides to release hundreds of their comrades serving prison sentences; FARC’s most widely known operation was its kidnapping of three US contractors: Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes, and Keith Stansell The FARC has released a United States citizen held hostage for more than four months. Mr. Sutay was kidnapped in mid-June while traveling in an area where the FARC is active.

World Response The FARC has been involved in peace talks with the Colombian government since the 80’s. Some experts suggest the rebels continue to enter talks because it legitimizes their social justice cause. In October 2006, the FARC issued a letter that clarified the conditions under which they would agree to stop civil war in return for a prisoner exchange.

Future of Group During peace talks, the guerrilla proposed the signing of a mutual ceasefire as part of a humanitarian agreement, with obligations from the parties in order to guarantee an atmosphere of calm in Colombia The FARC aspires to become a political party if a peace deal is signed.

Citations. N.p.. Web. 4 Feb Hanson, S.. N.p.. Web. 4 Feb Vargas, R.. N.p.. Web. 4 Feb