colombia2.html


Some believe that guerillas have begun to gain a foothold in the poor areas surrounding Bogota.	The lush landscape of Putumayo, in southern Colombia, makes it ripe for the growing of coca.

A FARC guerilla enforces a blockade on the town of Puerto Asis, which is quickly running short of supplies. People are allowed to pass, but anything of commercial value is turned back.

No end in sight for Colombia's troubles

Colombia's long-simmering civil war costs about 70 lives every day. Most victims are civilians caught between combatants. Many soldiers, especially in the FARC and ELN guerilla groups, are in their teens.

In addition, kidnap-for-ransom has become a favorite of the guerilla groups. The situation is bleak, and answers are few.

And perhaps, worst of all, America's appetite for Colombian cocaine continues.

Above, a coca grower tends to his field. This farmer, like many others, also grows other crops. He receives about $200 per kilo of coca paste.

Day laborers wait for work on a Bogota street corner. Poverty, unemployment and underemployment are major problems in Colombia. Teenage FARC guerillas relax in a San Vicente de Caguan restaurant. FARC has been criticized for having soldiers as young as 12 within its ranks.
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Photos by Billy Calzada
http://www.billycalzada.com

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Day laborers wait for work on a Bogota street corner. Poverty, unemployment and underemployment are major problems in Colombia.	Teenage FARC guerillas relax in a San Vicente de Caguan restaurant. FARC has been criticized for having soldiers as young as 12 within its ranks.