Colombia: Army targets ex-FARC dissidents in south May 28

Event

A military operation targeting ex-FARC dissidents, former members of the FARC guerrilla group who refused to demobilize following a peace deal reached in 2016, was carried out early on Monday, May 28, in the southern department of Caquetá. According to the military, 11 militants were killed and two were captured in the operation, which took place in the La Montañita municipality.

The ex-FARC militants present in Caquetá and neighboring Putumayo are involved in extortion activities targeted businesses and have threatened local politicians. The group is also involved in drug trafficking. The AUC paramilitary group is also present in this coca-growing region.

Context

Various armed groups are active throughout Colombia, including dissident members of the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia), other organized crime groups (BACRIM), and the ELN guerrilla group (Ejército de Liberación Nacional).

Advice

Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including drug cartels, right-wing militias, local gangs, the ELN, and ex-FARC dissidents - some Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country, including Caquetá.