The Historical Context of Colombia's Conflict

Colombia's internal conflict, primarily involving the FARC guerrillas, has deep historical roots dating back to the mid-20th century. The FARC emerged as a revolutionary group aimed at establishing a Marxist-inspired state, gaining substantial territory and influence throughout the decades. By the 1990s, the Colombian army struggled to contain the growing power of the FARC, leading to increased U.S. assistance under Plan Colombia, which aimed to bolster military capabilities. This period set the stage for the aggressive military policies and tactics that would later contribute to significant human rights violations.