In 2002 the FARC controlled a third of the country Photo: AP From The Telegraph:
Colombian rebels are deserting their cause at the highest rate in more than four decades of fighting because of government rewards for those who do so.
The government has realised that encouraging rebels to desert is more effective than killing them, as they bring with them invaluable intelligence and undermine the morale of those still in guerrilla ranks.
More than 2500 guerrillas have turned themselves in this year, despite rebels' pledge to kill all deserters.
The government insists that the end of the 44-year civil conflict is in sight and the once mighty Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which in 2002 controlled a third of the country and numbered 17,000 fighters, is but a shadow of its former self. Indeed it numbers some 8,000 fighters now and over this year has lost three top commanders, including its legendary founder Manuel 'Sureshot' Marulanda.
FARC has fought to overthrow the Colombian government and install a Marxist government since the 1960s.
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My Comment: After fighting 44 years as a guerrilla ..... I would think that it is now time to get a life.