Southern Bloc Of The Farc-ep Article Index for
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Southern Bloc Of The Farc-ep




The Southern Bloc of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Of Colombia was the first bloc to exist and is where the roots of the guerilla movement lie. The bloc has been held responsible for several notorious attacks, including the infamous "donkey-bomb", numerous attacks against military bases, as well as Íngrid Betancourt ´s kidnapping. It was also blamed by government investigators and prosecutors for the Bombing Of The El Nogal Club . FARC itself had earlier denied that any of its members were responsible for the attack.

The bloc operates in much of the area that borders with Ecuador and Perú , with some supposed incursions into foreign territory. The government suspects that many FARC leaders may be hiding in the jungles protected by the South Bloc.

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



2ND FRONT


Also known as the Isaías Pardo Front, about 120 militants form it. It operates mostly in the Nariño Department and the Caquetá Department .


3RD FRONT


About 100 militants form this front that operates mostly in the Caquetá Department and the Huila Department . Its current leadership is unclear.


13TH FRONT


About 150 militants form this front that operates mostly in the Caquetá Department and the Huila Department .


14TH FRONT


About 250 militants form this front that operates mostly in the Caquetá Department . It is considered one of the most important fronts of the Southern Bloc.


15TH FRONT


Also known as the José Ignacio Mora Front, about 250 militants form it. It operates mostly in the Caquetá Department . The group is considered responsible for Íngrid Betancourt ´s kidnapping.


32ND FRONT


About 170 militants form this front that operates mostly in the Putumayo Department and the Caquetá Department .


48TH FRONT


Also known as the Antonio José de Sucre, about 120 militants form it. It operates mostly in the Putumayo Department . The group is very active in the border with Ecuador and is suspected to shelter Raúl Reyes, a high ranking FARC officer.


49TH FRONT


About 170 militants form this front that operates mostly in the Caquetá Department .


61ST FRONT


Also known as the Timanco Front, about 70 militants form it. It operates mostly in the Huila Department .


MOBILE COLUMN TEóFILO FORERO


About 90 specialized militants form this powerful group that operates mostly in the Huila Department and the Caquetá Department , with much urban activity around the country.


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