The Middle Magdalena Bloc of the FARC-EP (Spanish: Bloque Magdalena Medio) was a FARC-EP bloc, notable for its involvement in the conflict with the AUC until the latter's demobilization in 2004. After that, it became one of the Colombian army's biggest worries as FARC started once again to gain control over the territory.[citation needed]
The specific divisions of the group are arguable. Some of the believed divisions or 'fronts', as they were commonly called, are shown below. Many of these fronts sometimes worked together towards a certain mission, while others were further divided into 'columns' and 'companies' with a smaller number of members. For more general information see FARC-EP Chain of Command.
Handed himself in and demobilized in August 2010.[4]
"Edward"
Handed himself in and demobilized in August 2010.[4]
"Deisy"
Handed himself in and demobilized in August 2010.[4]
"Andrea"
Handed himself in and demobilized in August 2010.[4]
11th Front
Also known as the José Antonio Anzoategui Front, it was composed by up to 60 combatants and operated mostly in the Boyacá Department. Its leader, who also commanded the 23rd front, was killed in combat in 2006.
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.
This front was composed by up to 190 combatants and operated in Bolivar,[7]Cesar, Santander, and Norte de Santander Departments. 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 was declared by the Colombian authorities dismantled.[8]
Includes the 29 de Mayo Company, which was also under the leadership of Ernesto 45.
23rd Front
Also known as the Policarpa Salavarrieta Front, it was composed by up to 60 combatants and operated mostly in the Santander and Boyacá Departments. Its leader, who also commanded the 11th front, was killed in combat in 2006. By 2012, the Front was almost dismantled, with only 5 combatants forming it.[14]
It was composed by up to 200 combatants and operated mostly in the Santander and Bolívar Departments. In July 2012, 4 members of the front were killed by the army, while one other was captured and one other surrender.[17]
Also known as the Mariscal Sucre Front, it was composed by up to 250 combatants and operated mostly in the Norte de Santander Department. Eleven of its members were killed on October 10, 2011.[21] On May 10, 2012, they killed seven members of the Colombian army, near the city of Tibú.[22] Around 10 members, including the front leader, were killed on September 4 and 3, 2014, during a military operation.[23]
^U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. "United States Charges 50 Leaders Of Narco-Terrorist FARC" March 22, 2006. Available online Accessed July 19, 2007.
^BBC Mundo. "Colombia: capturan avión venezolano" January 31, 2002. Available online. Accessed July 19, 2007.
^"Muere en combate cabecilla de la cuadrilla 33 de las Farc" June 9, 2010. Available online. Accessed June 9, 2010.
^Presidencia de la República. "RUEDA DE PRENSA DEL PRESIDENTE URIBE DURANTE ENTREGA DEL GUERRILLERO RAFAEL ROJAS" April 28, 2003. Available online. Accessed July 19, 2007.
^Ejército Nacional de Colombia. "Diez guerrilleros mueren en combates contra el Ejército" June 28, 2006. Available online. Accessed July 19, 2007.
