Study: BACRIMs Continue Steady Expansion Across Colombia
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 11:52
Study: BACRIMs Continue Steady Expansion Across Colombia
Written by Christopher Looft
Colombia think tank Indepaz has released its 2011 study on the narco-paramilitary gangs known as 'criminal bands' or BACRIMs, arguing that the groups have expanded their activity across the country.
The study states that the BACRIMs are operating in about a third of Colombia's 1,103 municipalities. The relative amount of territory held by the main BACRIMs has remained roughly static, even as each group has grown slightly.
Los Rastrojos are still the largest of the BACRIMs, with a reported presence in 247 municipalities in 23 departments, followed by the Urabeños with 211 municipalities in 18 departments.
According to Indepez's count, the narco-paramilitary groups have moved into 46 new municipalities since 2010, reflecting a steady expansion since 2008.
More:
http://insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2254-study-bacrims-continue-steady-expansion-across-colombia
