And, because US troops are doing such good elsewhere…

… The US and Colombia want more of them in Colombia, in addition to the hundreds that are there now (openly) and however many ‘contractors’ and covert forces are there now (there are reports that there are plenty). See these little briefs.

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KIM HOUSEGO

Thu Apr 29, 9:11 PM

BOGOTA, Colombia – U.S. troops advising Colombia in its war against rebels and paramilitary forces are hampered by Congress’ cap on the number of American soldiers, a senior U.S. military commander asserted Thursday.

… The US and Colombia want more of them in Colombia, in addition to the hundreds that are there now (openly) and however many ‘contractors’ and covert forces are there now (there are reports that there are plenty). See these little briefs.

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KIM HOUSEGO

Thu Apr 29, 9:11 PM

BOGOTA, Colombia – U.S. troops advising Colombia in its war against rebels and paramilitary forces are hampered by Congress’ cap on the number of American soldiers, a senior U.S. military commander asserted Thursday.

U.S. Army Gen. James Hill, the commander of U.S. military operations in Latin America, said Washington’s ability to provide advice and training as Colombia carries out offensives against the insurgent groups has been hurt by Congress’ stipulation that no more than 400 U.S. troops and 400 American contractors can be in this Andean country at one time.

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CBC NEWS: U.S. military commander in Latin America says more troops needed in Colombia

10:49 AM EDT Apr 30

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – U.S. soldiers aiding Colombia in its war against guerrillas are hampered by Congress’s cap on the number of troops that can be in Colombia, a senior U.S. military commander asserted Thursday.

Gen. James Hill, commander of U.S. military operations in Latin America, said there aren’t enough U.S. troops in the South American country to support Colombian government forces. The U.S. Congress has stipulated no more than 400 troops can be in Colombia. President George W. Bush has asked Congress to allow up to 800 U.S. military personnel and 600 civilian contractors in Colombia.