In a recent report entitled The focal points of conflict in Colombia, INDEPAZ shows major points of disputes among armed groups.

It characterizes the types of structures according to their scope, whether political, military or economic. It also maps their presence in the country and describes their structure, actions and capabilities.

INDEPAZ warns that Colombia has seven territorial points in conflict: the northern regions of Antioquia, southern Córdoba and southern Bolívar; Urabá Antioqueño, Chocoano and Pacífico Chocoano; Algeria and El Tambo in Cauca; Triángulo de Telembí and Tumaco; Lower Putumayo; Catatumbo and south of Cesar; Alge-ciras (Huila), northwest of Caquetá and south of Meta.

In the case of the narco-paramilitary groups, INDEPAZ says that these groups are defined themselves as a form of paramilitarism for business purposes, especially for drug trafficking and money laundering.

Plus, INDEPAZ added that private armed groups for profit roll out public security and sometimes counterinsurgency functions, counting on complicity or omission of state and public force agents.

pgh/Pll/mem / otf