31.   The rebel roadblock was less than five miles from a large Colombian army base, where soldiers ran their own checkpoint, eerily similar to that of the guerrillas.

32.   The sounds of heavy mortar fire between the Colombian army and the rebels could be heard in the background.

33.   Then, as Colombian army troops approached La Caucana, the guerrillas loaded mules with looted food and medicine and disappeared into the Andean foothills.

34.   They launch frequent attacks on oil industry installations and personnel and the Colombian army units assigned to protect them.

35.   This would essentially give in to Colombian army pressure.

36.   Though congressional Republicans have called on the Colombian government to reclaim the rebel-held area, it is hardly clear the Colombian army could do so.

37.   With U.S. backing, Lloreda plans to transform the largely conscript Colombian army into a professional fighting force with better mobility and intelligence capabilities.

38.   Only days ago, the Colombian army was basking in praise after soldiers rescued hostages held by guerrillas.

39.   Pastrana last week said he wanted the United States to train Colombian army units to protect pipelines and other infrastructure from rebel attacks.

40.   A report released this month by Human Rights Watch found evidence of collaboration between the AUC and three Colombian army brigades.