Libertadores del Vichada

Libertadores del Vichada (English: The Liberators of Vichada), is a Colombian drug trafficking neo-paramilitary group involved in the Colombian armed conflict.[1] It is considered to be one of the most important drug trafficking organizations in eastern Colombia.[2] The group is led by Martín Farfán Díaz González, alias 'Pijarbey,' a former leader of the neo-paramilitary group ERPAC. According to Colombia's prosecutor general, Díaz González is responsible for several homicides and acts of terrorism against the civilian population.[3]

Background

The origins of Libertadores del Vichada can be traced back to the disintegration of ERPAC, an armed, paramilitary group that was partially demobilized in 2009. However, only 300 out of roughly 900 ERPAC members surrendered to Colombian authorities, and the remaining 600 were believed to have joined Libertadores de Vichada or the rivalling Meta Block.[4]

Modus operandi

Los Libertadores del Vichada use AK-47 rifles and other small arms and have a hierarchical, military structure inherited from the AUC. The members use military uniforms stolen from the Colombian army.[5][6]

Conflict with the FARC

Los Libertadores del Vichada have frequently fought battles against the FARC rebel group in eastern Colombia.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "La Séptima Brigada destruyó campamento de la banda criminal Bloque Libertadores del Vichada | Colombia Estéreo" (in Spanish). Emisoraejercito.mil.co. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  2. ↑ "Duro golpe de la Séptima Brigada a la banda criminal Bloque Libertadores del Vichada | Colombia Estéreo" (in Spanish). Emisoraejercito.mil.co. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  3. ↑ "Ordenan captura de alias 'Pijarbey' - Colombia Noticias: Actualidad Nacional". Eltiempo.Com. 2013-08-13. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  4. ↑ "After Failed Demobilization, ERPAC Factions Join Colombia's Larger War - InSight Crime | Organized Crime in the Americas". InSight Crime. 2012-06-08. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  5. ↑ "Cuatro asegurados en operativo contra grupo ilegal Libertadores del Vichada | LA F.m. - RCN Radio". La F.M. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  6. ↑ "Incautan munición a las Bandas criminales Bloque Libertadores de Vichada". Notillano.com. 2013-10-15. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  7. ↑ http://m.eltiempo.com/colombia/llano/violencia-en-vichada-por-disputa-entre-farc-y-bacrim/12007995
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