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Thursday, May 24th

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You are here: News News 3000 members of illegal armed groups 'neutralized' in 2011

3000 members of illegal armed groups 'neutralized' in 2011

Combat

Over 3,000 guerrillas, neo-paramilitaries and drug traffickers have been "neutralized" in 2011, in addition to decreasing overall attacks, according to the country's Armed Forces commander.

General Alejandro Navas told press that in 2011 a total of 3,107 members of llegal armed groups have been captured or killed in combat. Of that total, 1,167 had been demobilized, 1,605 detained, and 335 killed.

Navas explained that of the "neutralized," 65.9% belonged to guerrilla group FARC, 25.7% to various drug trafficking criminal gangs and 8.2% pertained to the ELN guerrilla group.

Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon applauded the results obtained by Colombia's security forces against illegal armed groups, and thanked the more than 440,000 uniformed officials for their effort and sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and progress in the country.