From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Central Bloc of the Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia operates strategically in the Andes Mountains around the middle of Colombia. The group is seen
as the largest threat to Bogotá and its economy, as it operates in areas
surrounding the capital. However, strong military action has forced
the bloc to hide in remote parts of the mountains, away from many
highways and cities. In an indictment in April 2006, the Minister
of Defense announced over $5.5 million dollars in rewards for the
Central Bloc's highest ranking figures.
The specific divisions of the group are arguable. Because of the
current conflict existing in the country, much of the information
recovered is conflicting and should not be taken as absolutely
reliable. Some of the believed divisions or 'fronts', as they are
commonly called, are shown below. It is worth noting that many of
these fronts sometimes work together towards a certain mission,
while others are further divided into 'columns' and 'companies'
with a smaller number of members. For more general information see
FARC-EP Chain
of Command.
Commanders
Alias |
Name |
Note |
Jerónimo |
Raúl Duarte |
Alfonso
Cano |
Guillermo León Saenz Vargas |
Traditional Ideological Figure |
Iván
Ríos |
Manuel Jesús Muñoz Ortiz |
KIA in 2008. |
17th
Front
Also known as the Angelino Godoy Front, it is
composed by up to 120 militants. It operates mostly in the Huila
Department. Its current leadership has not been clarified.
Alias |
Name |
Note |
Geovany, "Gringo" |
|
Captured in 2005. |
21st
Front
Also known as La Gaitana Front, it is composed
by up to 120 militants. It operates mostly in the Tolima
Department and the Quindío Department and is believed
to be in charge of Alfonso Cano's security.
Alias |
Name |
Note |
Marlon |
Eduardo Rayo |
|
"Pedronel" |
Abel Tavera |
|
Donald |
|
|
25th
Front
Also known as the Armando Ríos Front, it is
composed by up to 120 militants. It operates mostly in the Tolima
Department and the Cundinamarca Department.
According to Defense Minister Juan Manuel
Santos, more than 50 fighters have deserted the FARC's 25th
Front, 25 have been captured and 15 were killed in combat, adding
that the insurgent unit "is almost dismantled." [1]
Alias |
Name |
Note |
"Bertil" |
Enelio Ganoa |
KIA in 2008. |
"Tito" |
Víctor Muñoz |
|
50th
Front
Also known as Cacique Calarca Front, it is
composed by up to 80 militants. It operates mostly in the Quindío
Department and the Risaralda Department.
Alias |
Name |
Note |
Enrique |
Ciro Gómez Rayo |
|
66th
Front
Also known as the Joselo Lozada Front, it is
composed by up to 150 militants. It operates mostly in the Huila
Department.
Alias |
Name |
Note |
Libardo, El Pollo |
|
Killed in September 2007. |
El Indio Humberto |
|
Killed in March 2007. |
Columns
and Companies
The following columns and companies also form part of the
Central Bloc:
- Column Daniel Aldana: This column is widely known in the Tolima
Department, where most of its operations take place. Its
financial director, known as "El Indio" was captured in 2005. In
recent and unconfirmed developments in 2006, its last known leader
Gustavo González López, alias "Rambo", was killed by government
troops.
- Column Héroes de Marquetalia: This column also operates in the
Tolima
Department and is led by a female known as "Mayerly
Rendón".
- Column Jacobo Prías Alape: This column also operates in the Tolima
Department and is led by two people known as "Calderón" or
"Chicharrón" and "Tribilín".
- Company Tulio Varón (Dismantled): Also known as the
Front Tulio Varón, it operates in the Tolima Department. Its most recent
leader, Eduardo Fajardo, alias "Walter", was killed in March
2007[2]. Its
preceding leader, Roberto Olaya Caicedo, alias "El Venado", was
killed in late 2006. It has since been dismantled and fused with
the Column Jacobo Prías Alape[3].
See also
Notes