At this forward operating base in eastern Colombia ‘Blackhawk’ helicopters, either donated by or purchased from the US, help local troops reach the scene of rebel activity with great speed. They also transport back to base the resulting dead and wounded from such combat. Tame, Arauca.

In the barrios of Saravena, Colombia’s most attacked town in 2002, the Police patrol in body armour and helmets. They walk 15 meters apart to reduce casualties when fired at by snipers or in case they step on mines. Saravena, Arauca.

Colombia has seen few periods of peace throughout its history. The messy battle for control in Colombia is a
four-way fight, the government, two insurgent groups and the paramilitaries.
The largest insurgent group, the FARC (The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) were formed in 1964. From an initial handful of peasants they have grown into the richest and strongest rebel army in Latin America, if not the world. The smaller ELN (National Liberation Army) was formed around the same time as the FARC. The FARC numbers at least 18,000 and is self funded, mainly through taxing the cocaine trade, which they are heavily involved with. It nets them US$ 200 - 400 million per year. Added to this are the taxes they levy on all aspects of trade and industry in the areas they control and monies from their booming kidnap business.