Key statistics

2002
First Recorded Activity

First Attack

Profile Last Updated

How to Cite

Crenshaw, M., & Robinson, K. (2025). Mapping Militants Project. Rice University. https://doi.org/10.25613/G0K4-WF70
Mapping Militants Project. “Los Rastrojos.” Last modified . https://mappingmilitants.org/node/450/

Profile Contents

Narrative

Narrative of the Organization's History

Organization

Leadership, Name Changes, Size Estimates, Resources, Geographic Locations

Strategy

Ideology, Aims, Political Activities, Targets, and Tactics

Interactions

Foreign Designations and Listings, Community Relations, Relations with Other Groups, State Sponsors and External Influences

Maps

Mapping relationships with other militant groups over time in regional maps

Main Tabs Group

Overview
Formed: 
January 1, 2002

Los Rastrojos is an independent group within the Bandas Criminales (BACRIM). Los Rastrojos formed as the armed division of Wilbur Varela in 2002. Los Rastrojos tried to demobilize as a part of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) in 2006; however, the Colombian government would not enter into negotiations with the organization. Subsequently, the group followed aliases “Comba” and “Diego Rastrojo” and began to engage in organized crime, specifically drug trafficking. For more information on Los Rastrojos, see the BACRIM profile.

Organization

Vertical Tabs

Strategy

Vertical Tabs

Interactions

Vertical Tabs