The FARC’s Fifth Column

Pastrana issues an ultimatum, but rebels from Colombia have already infiltrated Peru.

An exclusive By Sharon Stevenson NEWSWEEK INTERNATIONAL

Jan. 21 issue — Beneath the jungle canopy deep inside the Peruvian rain forest, rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) relaxed in a makeshift camp. Equipped with AKM assault rifles, land mines and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, the guerrillas had trekked 450 kilometers south of their country’s border with Peru. Their mission: to recruit sympathizers and encourage indigenous farmers to plant opium poppies. One of the FARC’s newly enlisted collaborators told NEWSWEEK they had another aim as well: to scout for a rear-guard refuge should the Colombian Army gain the upper hand back home. Said Ana, 18, the daughter of coca farmers, “They can come here if things get difficult in Colombia.”

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Read Sharon Stevenson's complete Newsweek International article here.