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People's Revolutionary Army (Colombia)
| Formed | 1996 |
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| Disbanded | May 2007 |
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| First Attack | December 22, 1997: ERP guerillas kidnapped Majagual's mayor and 3 other civilians. They were released after 11 days. (No casualties) |
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| Last Attack | February 28, 2005: ERP guerillas set up a roadblock and kidnapped 17 people near the Magdalena River. Outcome is unknown. (No casualties) |
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| Updated | August 7, 2012 |
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Leadership
- Nilson Antonio Simanca Bello, alias Fabio (1996 to Unknown): Bello founded the group along with Gilberto—is reportedly dead and buried somewhere in Colombia.
- Rafael Enrique Simanca Bello, alias Gilberto (1996 to 2007): One of the two founders of the group along with alias Fabio. Turned himself in with the remaining 17 guerillas in 2007.
Ideology & Goals
The ELN is staunchly socialist and seeks to overthrow the democratic government of Colombia. While the ERP's ideology is unknown, it can be inferred that it shares the Communist/Socialist beliefs of its parent organization, the ELN. As an extension of this ideology, the ERP aims to remove the power from government authorities where possible and establish its own communities.
Size Estimates
- Unknown: 350 (START)
- 2007: 48 (El Tiempo)
Designated/Listed
ERP was not listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States or the United Nations
Resources
The ERP is involved in various types of local criminal conduct in order to fund its operations. This money is funneled into the purchase of M-16 rifles, AK-47s, R-1 explosive devices and ANFO devices.
TheThe ERP has been known to use M-16 rifles, AK-47s, R-1 explosive devices, and ANFO devices. ERP has been known to
Geographical Locations
The ERP mainly operate in Montes de Maria and Bolivar (southern region); Colombia
Targets & Tactics
Major ERP activities include kidnapping, extortion and cattle theft. ERP rebels utilize illegal roadblocks near Colombian cities in order to carry out many of these illicit acts. As for recruitment, the ERP offers security to poverty-stricken Colombian citizens. For these citizens, the ERP is a haven; however, the ERP also uses kidnap victims to fill the rebel ranks. Recruitment is known to increase after publicized kidnapping because prospective rebels believe they will be able to profit from joining the group.
Major Attacks
ERP's activities were comparatively petty and underreported. Ultimatley it was responsible for 140 kidnappings over its 11 year existence.
- March 26, 2003: ERP guerillas killed a passenger boat captain, wounded two passengers and took three others hostage at an illegal checkpoint on the Covao Creek near Achi, Colombia. (1 dead, 2 wounded).
Relationships with Other Groups
The ERP was formed by rebels from the Jose Solano Sepulveda Front of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and others from the Free Fatherland Independent Revolutionary Movement were sent to the border zone of the departments of Antioquia, Sucre, and Bolivar to create a new guerrilla front.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia considers the ERP an enemy; however, due to the ERP's small size, their rivalry is limited. The paramilitary also considers the ERP to be an enemy of the state, and has taken measures to contain the small group.
Unknown; however, it can be assumed that the ERP's involvement in kidnapping and extortion did not prompt support from the public.
References
- ^ http://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=199712220010
- ^ http://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=200502280001
- ^ "Altimas Noticias De Colombia Y El Mundo - ELTIEMPO.COM." Eltiempo.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2012. <http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-2479563>.
- ^ "Altimas Noticias De Colombia Y El Mundo - ELTIEMPO.COM." Eltiempo.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2012. <http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-2479563>.
- ^ "People's Revolutionary Army." Institute for the Study of Violent Groups. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2012. <http://vkb.isvg.org/Wiki/Groups/People's_Revolutionary_Army>.
- ^ "People's Revolutionary Army." Start. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=84>.
- ^ Martinez, Luz. "Gobierno Uribe Da Por Muerto Al Erp." Eltiempo.com. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-2479563>.
- ^ "People's Revolutionary Army." Start. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=84>.
- ^ "People's Revolutionary Army." Institute for the Study of Violent Groups. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2012. <http://vkb.isvg.org/Wiki/Groups/People's_Revolutionary_Army>.
- ^ Martinez, Luz. "Gobierno Uribe Da Por Muerto Al Erp." Eltiempo.com. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-2479563>.
- ^ "People's Revolutionary Army." Institute for the Study of Violent Groups. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2012. <http://vkb.isvg.org/Wiki/Groups/People's_Revolutionary_Army>.
- ^ http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-2479563
- ^ http://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=200303260007
- ^ "People's Revolutionary Army." Institute for the Study of Violent Groups. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2012. <http://vkb.isvg.org/Wiki/Groups/People's_Revolutionary_Army>.
