Mapiripan: A shortcut to hell

By María Cristina Caballero

BOGOTA, July 28, 1997 — A paramilitary incursion from July 14 to 20 this year by private armed groups that combat guerrilla forces has made

Excerpts from this story referencing "Self Defense Leagues":

"… was that the paramilitary fighters, which have now adopted the name United Self Defense Leagues of Colombia (“Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia” or AUC) after joining d …"

"… of detail because, he thought-that it could be a trick set for him by the Self Defense Leagues. Only after Cortés-Novoa was able to verify the phone number that the Maj …"

"… least eight (8) conversations with Cortés-Novoa while the members of the Self Defense Leagues were in Mapiripan. During the three (3) hours that we were at the Battalio …"

"… s of pamphlets announcing the creation of the Guaviare Front of the United Self Defense Leagues of Colombia (“Auto Defensas Unidas de Colombia” or AUC). Their self-pr …"