Central Bloc of the FARC-EP

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

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.

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 [Ejército Nacional de Colombia. "Muere en combates contra el Ejército cabecilla de las Farc" March 3, 2007. [http://www.ejercito.mil.co/?idcategoria=190148 Available online] . Accessed March 4, 2007.] . 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 [El Tiempo. "Sexta Brigada dice que la muerte de cinco extorsionistas es fin del frente Tulio Varón de las Farc" February 15, 2008. [http://www.eltiempo.com/conflicto/noticias/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-3960038.html Available online] . Accessed February 15, 2008.] .

See also

Notes