“Corruption cost Colombia’s peace process $119M”
Colombia suggests top guerrilla leader killed in Venezuela
Renowned economist designated Colombia’s new finance minister
Truth Commission: Colombia needs radical policy changes to...
Colombia’s controversial moment of truth
At least 49 dead after ‘prison break attempt’...
Colombia’s incoming government begins “total peace” offensive
Colombia investigating bullfighting tragedy
Petro’s first moves to restructure Colombia’s government
Petro and Duque meet over transition of power...
  • About
  • Support
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
Colombia News | Colombia Reports
  • News
    • General
    • Analysis
    • War and peace
    • Elections
    • Economy
    • Culture
    • Sports
    • Science and Tech
  • Travel
    • General
    • Bogota
    • Medellin
    • Cali
    • Cartagena
    • Antioquia
    • Caribbean
    • Pacific
    • Coffee region
    • Amazon
    • Southwest Colombia
    • Northeast Colombia
    • Central Colombia
  • Data
    • Economy
    • Crime and security
    • War and peace
    • Development
    • Cities
    • Regions
    • Provinces
  • Profiles
    • Organized crime
    • Politics
    • Armed conflict
    • Economy
    • Sports
  • Lite
  • Opinion
News

Neo-paramilitary, drug gangs Colombia’s ‘new enemy:’ Minister

by Adriaan Alsema January 13, 2011

Colombia news - German Vargas Lleras

Criminal gangs like the Rastrojos or those that emerged from paramilitary organization AUC are a “new enemy” of the Colombian authorities, the country’s Interior and Justice Minister told national radio.

In an interview with W Radio, Minister German Vargas Lleras said the police and army have increased the pressure on emerging drug-trafficking groups that, according to President Juan Manuel Santos, must be controlled.

“We have seen a significant growth of organizations that are increasing their number of troops, territorial presence and access to long-range weapons,” the minister told W Radio.

The minister announced the change in priority following the murder of two students in the north of Colombia. This double homicide was allegedly committed by drug gang “Los Urabeños,” one of the groups that emerged after the demobilization of the AUC and is led by former members of Colombia’s largest-ever paramilitary group.

Groups including Los Urabeños, Los Paisas, Oficina de Envigado, Aguilas Negras, and ERPAC are all led by members of the AUC that officially demobilized between 2003 and 2006. These neo-paramilitary groups together with drug gangs like the Rastrojos are estimated by authorities to have some 6,000 members. The AUC had approximately 31,000 members.

German Vargas

Trending

  • At least 49 dead after ‘prison break attempt’ in west Colombia

  • Truth Commission: Colombia needs radical policy changes to end conflict

  • Renowned economist designated Colombia’s new finance minister

Related articles

  • Paramilitary cooperation with truth commission threatens Colombia’s political superpowers

  • FARC admits responsibility for assassination attempts on Colombia’s former VP

  • The powers behind the throne of Colombia’s president

  • RSS

@2008-2019 - Colombia Reports. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Digitale Zaken and Parrolabs


Back To Top