Country Reports on Terrorism 2013 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia

aka AUC; Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia

Description: Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on September 10, 2001, the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) – commonly referred to as the paramilitaries – was formed in April 1997. AUC was designed to serve as an umbrella group for loosely affiliated, illegal paramilitary groups retaliating against leftist guerrillas. As the Colombian government increasingly confronted terrorist organizations, including the AUC, the group's activities decreased. In the years after the AUC declared a ceasefire in December 2002, the AUC's centralized military structure was dismantled and all of the top paramilitary chiefs have since stepped down.

Activities: The AUC carried out political killings and kidnappings of human rights workers, journalists, teachers, and trade unionists, among others. The AUC did not carry out any terrorist attacks in 2013. It has been demobilized for seven years.

Strength: Unknown

Location/Area of Operation: None

Funding and External Aid: None

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