Description
Marxist insurgent group formed in 1965 by urban intellectuals inspired by Fidel
Castro and Che Guevara. Began a dialogue with Colombian officials in 1999
following a campaign of mass kidnappings—each involving at least one US
citizen—to demonstrate its strength and continuing viability and force the
Pastrana administration to negotiate. Peace talks between Bogota and the
ELN, started in 1999, continued sporadically but once again had broken down by
year’s end.
Activities
Kidnapping, hijacking, bombing, and extortion. Minimal conventional military
capability. Annually conducts hundreds of kidnappings for ransom, often
targeting foreign employees of large corporations, especially in the petroleum
industry. Derives some revenue from taxation of the illegal narcotics industry.
Frequently assaults energy infrastructure and has inflicted major damage on
pipelines and the electric distribution network.
Strength
Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 armed combatants and an unknown number of active
supporters.
Location/Area of Operation
Mostly in rural and mountainous areas of north, northeast, and southwest
Colombia and Venezuela border regions.
External Aid
Cuba provides some medical care and political consultation.