Columbian officials sighed with great relief this week, as the top commander of the country’s largest guerilla group was killed. However, security experts in the area warn that the 40 year rebel group, known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), still holds the power to regroup and fight back. Although the rebel group has suffered the loss of several top leaders within the past decade, its core supporters have continued to rally in operations involving kidnappings, shootings, threats, and various other types of armed conflict. Former Columbian defense minister, Marta Lucia Ramirez, said, “They’ve stopped being a threat for Columbian democracy, but they continue being a threat to the citizenry.”
Dealing with terrorist or guerilla groups is an issue that is not confined to Columbia, rather- it has become one that is increasingly widespread and feared across the globe. From religious, ethnic, or territorial differences, these groups have used force, weapons, and mass killings as their method of choice. The Global Terrorism Database contains information on over 98,000 terrorist attacks worldwide since the 1970s.
Terrorism results in an uncertain economy, fearful civilians, destruction, and casualties. While many governments have tried to contain or eradicate terrorists from their countries, these groups can be stubborn and hard to rid of. As with the Columbian case, even when terrorist or guerilla groups are no longer threats to democracy as a whole, the people within reach feel constantly threatened and fear their lives. The governments in such countries are responsible for the safety and well-being of the citizens and should make every effort possible to end conflict with such groups. At times, even bringing in the military or police force seems to make little difference. Increasing security checkpoints, closely monitoring country boundaries, keeping records of those crossing such boundaries, and enforcing punishment on involved individuals who are captured can aid in bringing terrorism to an end and reassuring citizens that their protection is a primary goal.
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