In late December of 2013 the Washington Post released a well-written and highly detailed report regarding a very successful CIA covert action program aimed at eliminating over two dozen rebel leaders associated with the world’s most (formerly) well-funded insurgency: Colombia’s FARC. While the report did not receive a lot of coverage from the mainstream media, it still remains an excellent current and ongoing example of the kinds of work the CIA performs today.
It is refreshing to see that although CIA clandestine HUMINT reporting and collection is declining in a more tech-savvy and globalized world as SOFREP previously reported, the CIA’s covert action programs are still capable of leveraging the innovative and vast resources at US disposal in pursuit of policy makers’ objectives.
CIA activity in Colombia, courtesy of the Washington Post
The Washington Post reports that the ongoing covert action program, which also “includes substantial eavesdropping help from the National Security Agency, is funded through a multibillion-dollar black budget.” As SOFREP previously reported regarding the budget cuts to the CIA’s other multibillion dollar effort to bolster the capabilities of their non-official cover or deep cover officers, it is evident covert action programs will not be experiencing these same cuts.
The key to success in the CIA’s covert action program in Colombia is derived from two chief services: “real-time intelligence that allows Colombian forces to hunt down individual FARC leaders and, beginning in 2006, one particularly effective tool with which to kill them.”
As the US has demonstrated through engagements with other various groups that threaten US interests or pose a threat to national security, the specific and deliberate targeting of leadership personnel is a labor-intensive but beneficial practice that allows the network to be dismantled. As SOFREP has previously reported, this is a practice the CIA has solidified to a great extent over the years as well.
Alfonso Cano, former FARC leader killed in 2011, courtesy of latinamericanstudies.org
Read the full Washington Post investigative report here.
Thanks for listening.
In late December of 2013 the Washington Post released a well-written and highly detailed report regarding a very successful CIA covert action program aimed at eliminating over two dozen rebel leaders associated with the world’s most (formerly) well-funded insurgency: Colombia’s FARC. While the report did not receive a lot of coverage from the mainstream media, it still remains an excellent current and ongoing example of the kinds of work the CIA performs today.
It is refreshing to see that although CIA clandestine HUMINT reporting and collection is declining in a more tech-savvy and globalized world as SOFREP previously reported, the CIA’s covert action programs are still capable of leveraging the innovative and vast resources at US disposal in pursuit of policy makers’ objectives.
CIA activity in Colombia, courtesy of the Washington Post
The Washington Post reports that the ongoing covert action program, which also “includes substantial eavesdropping help from the National Security Agency, is funded through a multibillion-dollar black budget.” As SOFREP previously reported regarding the budget cuts to the CIA’s other multibillion dollar effort to bolster the capabilities of their non-official cover or deep cover officers, it is evident covert action programs will not be experiencing these same cuts.
The key to success in the CIA’s covert action program in Colombia is derived from two chief services: “real-time intelligence that allows Colombian forces to hunt down individual FARC leaders and, beginning in 2006, one particularly effective tool with which to kill them.”
As the US has demonstrated through engagements with other various groups that threaten US interests or pose a threat to national security, the specific and deliberate targeting of leadership personnel is a labor-intensive but beneficial practice that allows the network to be dismantled. As SOFREP has previously reported, this is a practice the CIA has solidified to a great extent over the years as well.
Alfonso Cano, former FARC leader killed in 2011, courtesy of latinamericanstudies.org
Read the full Washington Post investigative report here.
Thanks for listening.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.