Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP)

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army

Aka:  FARC-EP; Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo; FARC dissidents FARC-EP; Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia dissidents FARC-EP; FARC-D FARC-EP; Grupo Armado Organizado Residual FARC-EP; GAO-R FARC-EP; Residual Organized Armed Group FARC-EP.

Description:  FARC-EP was designated as an FTO on November 30, 2021.  Using the moniker of the former FARC, FARC-EP was responsible for the vast majority of armed attacks attributed to FARC dissident elements since 2019.  The FARC-EP was led by Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, alias Iván Mordisco.  In 2022, former second-in-command Miguel Santanilla Botache, alias Gentil Duarte, was killed in Venezuela, allegedly during a confrontation with drug trafficking groups.

Activities:  In May 2024, FARC-EP injured six individuals in a bomb blast in Jamundí, Colombia, and killed two police officers in an attack on a police station in Morales, Colombia, according to Colombian police.  In October, FARC-EP attacked the town of El Plateado, Colombia, injuring 17 people, according to the Colombian Ombudsman’s Office.

Strength:  The FARC-EP was estimated to have as many as 3,500 members.

Location/Area of Operation:  Colombia and Venezuela.

Funding and External Aid:  FARC-EP was funded primarily by involvement in illicit activity, including extortion, international drug trade, and illegal mining.

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