Colombia: April 5, 2004

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The government wants more American advisors (uniformed and civilian) to help follow up on the increasing success the government is having in battling some 30,000 armed rebels. The three rebels groups are; Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), with about 15,000 armed men; the National Liberation Army (ELN), with some 5,000  and the United Self-defense Groups of Colombia (AUC), with some 10,000. The U.S. Congress limits American personnel in Colombia 400 military personnel and 400 civilian contractors. Colombia wants that raised to 800 and 600. The Americans provide training and advisory services, as well as operating high tech electronic equipment.