Pubdate: Wed, 15 Sep 1999
Source: Orange County Register (CA)
Copyright: 1999 The Orange County Register
Contact:  http://www.ocregister.com/

NEW ANTI-DRUG UNIT MAY STOKE CONFLICT,SOME SAY

In an attempt to undercut the guerrillas who profit from the drug
trade,Colombia on Tuesday activated a new anti-narcotics battalion,trained
and equipped by the United States.

Analysts say the new army unit,to be inaugurated by President Andres
Pastrana,signals that the military is taking a more aggressive stance toward
the guerrillas-and could propel the nearly 40-year-old conflict into a more
violent phase.

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