Colombian terrorists own 42 aircraft

December 26, 2006

According to the El Tiempo newspaper, Colombian drug lords and rebels maintain at least 42 aircraft. The fleet includes five light Cessna planes, four reconnaissance helicopters and a helicopter set up as an air ambulance. They are also used to transport people and drugs.

The country's biggest guerrilla group, the left-wing FARC, operates between 15 and 20 aircraft, most acquired in the early 90's from defunct drug cartels.

Right-wing fighters operating in eastern and south-eastern Colombia run seven aircraft, while drug traffickers in the southeastern Valle province have between 15 and 20 aircraft.

According to a captured terrorist, the head of fighters in Meta, in central Colombia, has a Bell helicopter and a Cessna airplane for his personal use. Additionally, a drug lord in Valle province owns a private plane large enough for 14 passengers.