Farc That: FARC Policy Brief

Terror Group Simulated Attack

       Throughout their history, FARC has engaged in a variety of attack types. In more recent years, they have decreased their number of shootings and frontal attacks, and increased their number of bombings. They have attacked oil pipelines, buildings, and even transportation vehicles. A likely attack that they might engage in is a bombing of Capitolio Nacional (National Capital building). As a large tourist attraction and a symbol of the Colombian government, Capitolio Nacional would be a prime target that would spread fear around the government and the Colombian people. Since a bombing is more likely than a frontal attack, it is likely that FARC would send 3-10 people with backpacks armed with explosives. They would strategically place them, quite possibly at the base of the pillars at the front of the building, in locations that aren't meant to necessarily kill people but rather for the message the attack would send (destruction being the goal). As a symbol of Colombian power, the capital attack would send a message throughout the country and across the globe. Also, this would demonstrate the lengths that FARC is willing to go to achieve their goal. Although FARC and the Colombian government is currently in peace talks, the past has shown that FARC will break a ceasefire without warning. This attack is the perfect demonstration that they will continue to fight. With the more common use of bombings, there wouldn't even be a large number of people to spot especially if they are wearing backpacks. They would simply blend in with surrounding tourists and civilians. 

      The security response would be fugal and late. The attackers would already have vanished without a trace. The perfect attack for demonstration and the perfect attack to get away from without a loss to FARC. The government would likely follow up with air strikes on camps but the message would have already have been sent. Once again the people and political figures would be gripped with fear from an attack directly on their National Capitol. 

This page has paths:

Contents of this path: