TERRORIST GROUP PROFILES DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY Naval Postgraduate School

National Liberation Army (ELN)--Colombia

Description
Anti-U.S. insurgent group formed in 1965. Began a dialogue with Colombian officials late 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 with the ELN as it does the FARC.

Activities
Kidnapping, hijacking, bombing, extortion. Involved in an insurgent war against the government, but its military capabilities are declining. Annually conducts hundreds of kidnappings for ransom, often targeting foreign employees of large corporations, especially in the petroleum industry. Frequently assaults power infrastructure and has inflicted major damage on pipelines and the electric distribution network.

Strength
Approximately 3,000 to 6,000 armed combatants, mostly in rural and mountainous areas, and an unknown number of active supporters.

Location/Area of Operation
Colombia, border regions of Venezuela.

External Aid
Cuba provides some medical care and political consultation.