Colombian far-right paramilitary and drug trafficking group active from 1997 to 2006. Formed through a merger of local right-wing militias to combat left-wing guerrillas. Heavily financed by drug trade and local elites, with alleged ties to Colombian military. Responsible for numerous massacres and human rights abuses. Demobilized by 2006, but successor groups remain.
CRIMENET has extracted 27 linkages for this organization, including 10 cooperative ties across 8 organizations, 7 conflicts across 2 organizations, 10 other connections and footprints in 2 countries.
the AUC maintained close links with the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta concerning cocaine trafficking
President Uribe congratulated the Venezuelan president for the capture... those FARC and ELN guerrillas who would also be present in Venezuela.