United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC)

Info

• Formed in 1997
• Colombian Para-Military and Drug Trafficking group.
• Led by Carlos Castaño.

Location

• Mostly active in the Northwest regions of Colombia
• Very active in Uraba, near the Panimanian Border

Mission

• They intend to protect different local Economic, Social, Political interest by fighting left-wing insurgents in their areas.
• The Castano brothers established AUC to combat guerrilla forces, particularly the FARC and ELN to protect economic interest of it's sponsers.

Funds

• Local Landowners
• Cattle Ranchers
• Mining
• Petroleum Companies
• Politicians

New Members

• 20,000 members
• Recruit children with Marijuana candy and Ice Cream with the purpose to use them as spies and bomb planters