A/HRC/10/32 page 13 F. Illegal armed groups that have emerged since demobilization of paramilitary organizations 42. OHCHR Colombia continued to monitor the operations of several of the illegal armed groups that have emerged throughout the country since the paramilitary demobilization, particularly in Antioquia, Cauca, Chocó, Córdoba, Nariño and Valle del Cauca departments. While their structures, interests and modus operandi vary, many are engaged in criminal activities, chiefly drug trafficking and other activities related to organized crime. They also engage in lawful activities, such as selling lottery tickets and providing security services. 43. The ranks of these groups include many demobilized and non-demobilized former members of paramilitary organizations, some recruited voluntarily, some forcibly. Reports indicate that those who resist recruitment are killed, or are forced to flee for their lives. OHCHR Colombia has noted that middle-ranking members of the former United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC)18 hold senior positions in these groups. 44. Even where these groups have some form of hierarchy, they are by no means run on military lines and they do not seem to have exclusive control over territory. Furthermore, in many areas they do not seem to act in a coordinated or consistent manner. 45. A significant number of murders, death threats and other offences attributed to these groups seem to be a form of “social cleansing”. However, in general, their actions appear to be more a matter of settling personal scores in connection with drug trafficking. Likewise, and unlike other types of criminal groups, they appear to be, in some instances, enforcing social control. In addition, some of them take advantage of the economic and political structures left behind by the former paramilitary organizations. 46. In various places, the names of some of these groups, such as the “Black Eagles” (Aguilas Negras), and others recalling the former AUC or suggesting a resurgence of armed groups similar to the former AUC, have been indiscriminately used by criminal organizations and unknown individuals in order to instil fear and cause confusion. 47. In some departments, such as Antioquia, Chocó, Guaviare and Meta, OHCHR Colombia has observed that members of the security forces allow and tolerate the actions of groups that have emerged since the paramilitary demobilization, principally as a result of corruption, but also due to intimidation and threats against members of the security forces. 48. That having been said, OHCHR Colombia continues to receive information confirming that some of these groups do indeed operate in a similar way to the old paramilitary organizations. They have a proper military structure and hierarchy, and are able to exercise territorial control. In addition to being able to plan, carry out and sustain military-type operations, they act with a political and ideological orientation similar if not identical to that of the former AUC. These groups have been located particularly in Guaviare, Meta and Vichada 18 Demobilization of the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC) started in 2003.