United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia facts for kids
The United Self-Defenders of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia, or AUC, in Spanish) was a group in Colombia. It was active from 1997 to 2006 during a time of conflict in the country. The AUC was formed to fight against other armed groups like the FARC and ELN.
Quick facts for kids United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia |
|
|---|---|
United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia logo
|
|
| Active | April 1997 – 2006 / 2008 (nationally) |
| Country | Colombia |
| Role | Terrorists Guerrilla warfare Vigilantism |
| Garrison/HQ | Unknown |
| Nickname(s) | Paramilitaries, Paras, Paracos |
| Equipment | Small arms |
| Engagements | Colombian conflict |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Carlos Castaño † Vicente Castaño Miguel Arroyave a.k.a. Arcángel † Diego Murillo Bejarano Salvatore Mancuso Rodrigo Tovar Pupo a.k.a. Jorge 40 Ernesto Báez † Ramón Isaza Freddy Rendón a.k.a. El Alemán Julián Bolívar Javier Montañez a.k.a. Macaco Luis Eduardo Cifuentes a.k.a. El Águila Francisco Javier Zuluaga a.k.a. Gordo Lindo Víctor Manuel Mejía Múnera a.k.a. El Mellizo † Pedro Oliverio Guerrero a.k.a. Cuchillo † Miguel Ángel Mejía Múnera a.k.a. El Mellizo Héctor Germán Buitrago a.k.a. Martín Llanos |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
Initials AUC |
| Identification symbol |
Identifying armbands, frequently black ones |
Contents
What Was the AUC?
The AUC was a large group of armed fighters. They were called "paramilitaries." This means they were like a military group but not officially part of the government's army.
Their main goal was to fight against left-wing rebel groups. These groups included the FARC and the ELN. The AUC believed these rebel groups were causing problems in Colombia.
How Did the AUC Start?
The idea for groups like the AUC began in the 1980s. At that time, some people formed small armed groups. They wanted to protect themselves from rebels who were kidnapping people and demanding money.
In April 1997, many of these smaller groups joined together. This is how the AUC was officially formed. They wanted to protect different local interests.
What Did the AUC Do?
The AUC had about 20,000 members. They got money from local landowners, ranchers, and some companies.
The group was known for its strong actions. They were accused of harming civilians. They were also accused of targeting people they thought supported the rebel groups.
Many countries and organizations saw the AUC as a terrorist group. This included the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
What Happened to the AUC?
Most of the AUC's fighters stopped their activities by early 2006. Their main leaders were later sent to the U.S. in 2008.
Even after the AUC officially ended, some smaller groups continued to exist. They sometimes used the AUC's name.
See also
In Spanish: Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia para niños
