Country Reports on Terrorism 2012

expert to Peru to provide instruction on the capabilities of the “radio-in-a-box,” used to
disseminate positive radio messages encouraging defections over guerrilla frequencies. Mexico
remained the biggest recipient of Colombian counternarcotics and counterterrorism training.
Countering Radicalization and Violent Extremism: Colombia employed a robust and modern
multi-agency approach to countering radicalization and violent extremism, with a focus on
encouraging members and entire units of the FARC and ELN to demobilize and reintegrate with
society. In October, with U.S. assistance, Colombia hosted a conference on ways to better
counter FARC and ELN ideology and better focus demobilization efforts. The demobilization
program provides medical care, psychological counseling, education benefits, job placement
assistance, and periodic checks on demobilized former members of the FARC and
ELN. Recidivism rates were low to moderate.
The Colombian armed forces and police employed a number of fixed and mobile radio
transmitters to broadcast strategic messaging to potential deserters. Such messaging was also
seen in print, television, and alternative media. The Colombian military employed the same
media to counter FARC recruitment efforts.
MEXICO
Overview: The Mexican government remained vigilant against domestic and international
terrorist threats. International terrorist organizations do not have a known operational presence in
Mexico, and no terrorist group targeted U.S. citizens in or from Mexican territory. The
Government of Mexico continued to strengthen its law enforcement institutions and to disrupt
and dismantle criminal organizations responsible for drug trafficking-related violence. There was
no evidence that these criminal organizations had political or ideological motivations, aside from
seeking to maintain the impunity with which they conduct their criminal activities.
Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Mexican government continued to
improve the abilities of its security forces to counter terrorism. The United States supported these
efforts by providing training and equipment to Mexican law enforcement and security agencies,
sharing information, and promoting interagency law enforcement cooperation. The United States
also supported Mexican efforts to address border security challenges along its southern and
northern borders and its ports. The Mexican and U.S. governments shared information and
jointly analyzed transnational threats; promoted information and intelligence sharing; deployed
enhanced cargo screening technologies; and strengthened passenger information sharing.
Mexican and U.S. officials also continued coordinated efforts to prevent the transit of third
country nationals who may raise terrorism concerns. On the Mexico-U.S. border, officials
increased coordination of patrols and inspections and improved communications across the
border. On the Mexico-Guatemala-Belize border, Mexico deployed additional security forces
and implemented biometric controls. Mexico remained an important partner nation in the
Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance program, which continued its overall shift in
focus from protection of national leadership training to border security, preventing terrorist safe
havens, and protecting critical infrastructure.
In support of U.S. efforts to identify and interdict illegitimate travel and travelers, consular Fraud
Prevention Units and Regional Security Office investigators throughout Mexico provided
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