NCJ Number
196873
Journal
Janes's Intelligence Review Volume: 14 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 24-25
Editor(s)
Christopher C. Aaron
Date Published
September 2002
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the influence and involvement of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) on the techniques, tactics, and technology behind the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia -- FARC) and their urban offensive.
Abstract
In reviewing the recent attacks by Columbia’s Marxist guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia’s (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia -- FARC) against Colombian President Uribe, the political message behind the attacks were reminiscent of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) indicating that PIRA’s training was behind the FARC attacks. A series of urban attacks in early 2002 showed evidence of PIRA’s involvement. The attacks on August 7, 2002, on Colombian President Uribe were unanticipated by the security forces due to foreign training. It was a difficult attack to prevent since it was not acknowledged as within the Colombian terrorists capacity. This article presents PIRA’s involvement in FARC’s urban operations through the training of specific techniques, tactics, and technology. With training from PIRA experts and the infiltration of cells into Colombian cities, they have taken up urban operations that could result in more civilian casualties.