• FARC is the abbreviation for The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a revolutionary guerrilla organization in Colombia. FARC was formed out of the Colombian Communist Party, and openly proclaims its affiliation with Marxist and Leninist doctrine. Because of its clearly-communicated desire to overthrow the existing government and its armed aggression and kidnappings, Colombian officials view FARC as a terrorist group. In addition to the domestic government, FARC has declared the United States, Canada, the European Union, and other Colombian paramilitary groups as enemies.

• 1. Official name: Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – Ejército del Pueblo (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army)
  2. Also known as: FARC
  3. Number of members: 6,000-8,000 (official estimate), 18,000 (outside estimate)
  4. Goal: Overthrow of the Colombian Government
  5. Year founded: 1964
  6. Leaders: Alfonso Cano, Mono Jojoy, Ivan Marquez, Joaquin Gomez, Timoleon Jimenez
  7. Country of origin: Colombia
  8. Estimated 18,000 members
  9. Main areas of operation: Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela

• Key Dates

  1. 1966: FARC officially formed, led by former South American revolutionaries and guerrillas
  2. 1982: Organized the Seventh Guerrilla Conference to layout plans short-term action plans and long-term political goals
  3. 2002: Formed the Clandestine Columbian Communist Party after participation in cocaine trade separated them from Communist Party
  4. June 28, 2007: Announced that it had killed 11 of 12 provincial deputies of the Colombian government that had been captured in 2002
  5. July 2, 2008: Farc hostages Thomas Howes, Keith Stansell, Marc Gonsalves and Ingrid Betancourt are rescued

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