Colombia’s President Alvaro Uribe called an emergency meeting on February 12 with his military commanders in response to the FARC’s recent spate of attacks, targeting military forces. Since February, the FARC has killed about 50 soldiers in targeted attacks (Terrorist Incident, Terrorist Incident, and Terrorist Incident). In addition, a BlackHawk helicopter went down in the mountainous southwest, a FARC stronghold, killing 20 soldiers; military officials contend it was not shot down by the FARC. These developments have naturally shaken the resolve of the military in its war against the domestic, leftist group.

The US has contributed enormously to the Colombian effort to eradicate coca production, the primary revenue stream, along with kidnap ransoms, for the rebel movements. However, Uribe is set to ask the US Congress for an additional $700,000, which would put the US contribution to Plan Colombia/Plan Patriot over $4 billion. For such a sizable investment in Colombia, little progress has been documented, especially of late. Both leftist groups are still occupying land and running their narcotics’ trade, along with kidnapping both Colombian and ex-pats . The right-wing paramilitary began decommissioning in 2003 but still is in existence and operates. Conversely, on January 30, one military battalion uncovered one of the “largest rebel munitions factories ever seen” in Colombia in Guaviare state. This is a bittersweet victory, as it illustrates that the FARC still has operational capabilities and seems far from debilitated.