The Middle Magdalena Bloc of the FARC-EP (Spanish: Bloque Magdalena Medio) is a FARC-EP bloc, notable for its involvement in the conflict with the AUC until the latter's demobilization in 2004. Since then, it has become one of the Colombian army's biggest worries, as citizens of these areas are claiming that the FARC are once again gaining control over the territory.
Contents
- 4th Front
- 11th Front
- 12th Front
- 20th Front
- 23rd Front
- 24th Front
- 33rd Front
- 46th Front
- South Unit
- Columns and Companies
- References
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. 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.
4th Front
It is composed by up to 100 combatants and operates mostly in the Antioquia Department (Municipalities of Zaragoza, Segovia, Remedios, Amalfi, Vegachí, Yalí, Yondó and Maceo). Its current leadership has not been identified since its main leader was killed outside of combat in 2006.
11th Front
Also known as the José Antonio Anzoategui Front, it is composed by up to 60 combatants and operates mostly in the Boyacá Department. Its leader, who also commanded the 23rd front, was killed in combat in 2006.
12th Front
Also known as the José Antonio Galán Front, this front was composed by 90 combatants and was mostly active in the 1980s, giving "protection" to the large emerald dealers of the country.
20th Front
This front was composed by up to 190 combatants and operates in the Bolívar Department, Cesar, Santander, and Norte de Santander Departments. According th the government, In 2012, the Front was "composed by 7 members". On April 12, 2013, the leader of the front, alias Fabián Brazo surrender to the military. On April 24, alias Amalia, member of the front, is captured. After this two captures, the 20th front is declared by the Colombian authorities, almost dismantled.
23rd Front
Also known as the Policarpa Salavarrieta Front, it is composed by up to 60 combatants and operates mostly in the Santander Department and Boyacá Department. Its leader, who also commanded the 11th front, was killed in combat in 2006. By 2012, the Front was almost dismantled, with 5 combatants forming it.
24th Front
It is composed by up to 200 combatants and operates mostly in the Santander Department and the Bolívar Department. Its current leader is not known. Believed be bloc commander Pastor Alape's front. In July 2012, 4 members of the front were killed by the army, while one other was captured and one other surrender.
33rd Front
Also known as the Mariscal Sucre Front, it is composed by up to 250 combatants and operates mostly in the Norte de Santander Department. Eleven of its members were killed on October 10, 2011. In May 10, 2012, they killed seven members of the Colombian army, near the city of Tibù. Around 10 members, including the front leader, were killed on September 4 and 3 during a military operation.
46th Front
It is composed by up to 90 combatants and operates mostly in the Santander Department. Its current leader is not known.
South Unit
Referred to in Spanish as Unidad Sur, it operates in the Santander Department and Boyacá Department. Its current leader is unknown.
Columns and Companies
The following columns and companies also form part of the Middle Magdalena Bloc: