<<Print>>

Two of Colombia's biggest rebel groups have announced they intend to unite with each other against the country's US-backed security forces. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) said they were "on our way toward working for unity". Farc and the smaller ELN have deep ideological differences. Their union could have a significant effect on the 45-year civil conflict, the BBC's Jeremy McDermott says. Together, they could present a significantly greater danger to the state than they currently do divided, he adds. The surprise announcement was made on a website known for its links with Farc. "Our only enemy is North American Imperialism and its oligarchic lackeys," the statement said. But it remains to be seen whether the two rebel groups can overcome their differences, our correspondent says. Farc has in the past tried to absorb ELN, although the smaller group proved to be stronger than expected, beating back the Farc in several areas. The Farc is Colombia's oldest and largest left-wing rebel group. It was once thought to have some 16,000 fighters, but reports suggest it now has around 9,000. The group is rural-based and finances itself through drug trafficking. The ELN was formed in 1965 by intellectuals inspired by the Cuban revolution, and is more political, having succeeded in recruiting in cities and towns. The Farc has suffered several defeats at the hands of conservative President Alvaro Uribe's security forces. Now under new leadership, it is steering a new path, and allaying itself with former enemies to try to recover lost ground, our correspondent says.