COLOMBIA'S MAJOR PLAYERS

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Largest and strongest rural-based rebel force, founded in 1964.
Conducts attacks on political, economic, military and police targets.
Many members persue criminal activities, carrying out hundreds of
kidnappings for profit annually. Force has ties to narcotics
traffickers, principally through the provision of armed protection for
coca and poppy cultivation and narcotics production facilities. Up to
20,000 - 25,000 armed combatants and supporters, mostly in rural areas.

The National Liberation Army.

Cuban-inspired, anti U.S. guerrilla group formed in January 1965.
Primarily rural based, although it has several urban fronts,
particularly in the Magdalena Medio region. Entered peace talks with
Colombian Civil Society in mid-1998. Responsible for oil pipeline
bombings, extortion and this year's most dramatic mass kidnappings: a
church group and an Avianca airplane. Approximately 3,000-5,000 armed
combatants.

United Self-Defense of Colombia.

Formed during the 1980's, these paramilitary groups were funded by
wealthy landowners and sometimes drug lords to provide protection from
guerrilla attacks and extortion. These groups operate outside of
government control and are accused of having ties to government or
military. The command structure for the paramilitary groups varies,
with units operating autonomously both regionally and locally,
Approximately 7,000 combatants.

Popular Liberation Army.

The smallest of all leftist groups, it was founded as a Maoist
splinter group of the Communist Party in 1967. Became more active in
1980's in north Colombia. Once numbering more than 3,000, the group's
internal divisions have weakened it. It has fewer than 1,000 active
fighters.

Sources: U.S. State Department Office of Counterterrorism, Stratfor
Intelligence Reporters, Human Rights Watch and Orlando Sentinel Research.