The similarities and differences between FARC and ELN in Colombia.

The FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and the ELN (National Liberation Army) are two leftist guerrilla groups in Colombia that have been active for several decades. While they share some similarities in their ideologies and objectives, there are also notable differences between them.

Similarities:

1. Both groups are Marxist-Leninist in ideology and seek to overthrow the Colombian government to establish a socialist state.
2. They both use armed struggle and guerrilla warfare as their primary means of achieving their objectives.
3. Both groups have been involved in drug trafficking to finance their operations.
   

Differences:

1. Size and strength: The FARC is a larger and more powerful group than the ELN, with an estimated 7,000-8,000 members at its height, compared to the ELN's 1,500-2,000 members.
2. Geography: The FARC operates mainly in rural areas, while the ELN has a stronger presence in urban areas.
   
3. Tactics: While both groups use violence and intimidation, the FARC is known for its brutal tactics such as kidnappings, bombings, and mass killings, while the ELN tends to focus more on smaller-scale attacks on military and infrastructure targets.
4. Negotiations: The FARC has engaged in peace negotiations with the Colombian government, resulting in a peace agreement in 2016, while the ELN has not yet reached a similar agreement and remains active.
   

In summary, while the FARC and ELN share some similarities in ideology and tactics, there are significant differences in their size, geography, and approach to achieving their objectives.