And once again, the mission that has crept its way into both heart and soul involves keeping ticking bombs from blowing up in one way or another.

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It has sabotaged infrastructure (blowing up 220 electricity pylons and 32 bridges since February), placed bombs in urban centres and kidnapped prominent politicians (including Ingrid Betancourt, a presidential candidate), all in an apparent effort to undermine civilian morale.

ECONOMIST: Colombia's presidential election

Insurgents there have proved adept at blowing up lightly armoured vehicles (and some bigger ones too) using makeshift bombs and hand-held rockets.

ECONOMIST: Defence sales