Security for export

After decades of conflict with insurgents at home, Colombia is cashing in on its military knowhow by selling it to the world, writes Andres Schipani

After just three hours’ sleep, and a good portion of the day spent under the relentless mid-morning sun, sweating but composed, Private Daniel Mancera is taking a break from training in counter-insurgency warfare.

Without blinking, he has just abseiled down an 18m tower that mimics a Black Hawk helicopter. “I have no doubt that Colombia’s forces are among the best in the world right now,” Mancera says. “And I am getting ready to serve here or anywhere in the world if needs be, because everyone wants our services nowadays.”

After 50 years of fighting leftwing guerrillas in some ...

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