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 in rewards for the Central Bloc's highest ranking figures.
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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 cannot be taken as absolutely reliable. Some of the believed divisions or 'fronts', as they are commonly called, are shown below. 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.
16th Front
The 16th Front was responsible for the personal security of Alfonso Cano until he left the front in September 2011 and, together with a small group of 15 guerrillas, started moving south through Huila and finally Cauca. It has around 300 members as of 2011.
17th Front
Also known as the Angelino Godoy Front, it is composed by around 150 militants as of 2011. It operates mostly in the Huila Department. The leader of this front is, as of 2011, José Orlando Orlando Ortiz, alias ‘Héctor Comidita’ Two members of the front died and 5 others surrenders after clashes with the Colombian army, on August 1, 2012.
21st Front
Also known as La Gaitana Front, it is composed by up to 120 militants. It operates mostly in the Tolima Department and the Quindío Department.
25th Front
Also known as the Armando Ríos Front, it is composed by up to 120 militants. It operates mostly in the Tolima Department. It is responsible for several attacks against security forces in 2011 in the Huila and Caqueta departments. In July 2011, 9 members of the front were arrested and 2 others killed by security forces. Six other members were captured on October 12.
50th Front
Also known as Cacique Calarca Front, it is composed by up to 80 militants. It operates mostly in the Quindío Department and the Risaralda Department. The front is announced to have been dismantled by the Colombian Army.
66th Front
Also known as the Joselo Lozada Front, it is composed by up to 150 militants. It operates mostly in the Huila Department.
Columns and Companies
The following columns and companies also form part of the Central Bloc: