ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the origins and evolution of armed conflicts that were active in 2014, as recorded by the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP). UCDP data are compiled mainly using secondary written sources, including news reports as well as human rights reports. The conflict against the Taliban escalated in 2013 and continued to escalate in 2014, when over 12,000 battle-related deaths were recorded the highest number on record during the post-1989 period. International forces continued their planned withdrawal and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission was officially terminated in December 2014. Armed Islamic Group (GIA) subsequently splintered into even more extremist factions, most notably the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), which appeared in 1998. The United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) was formed in 1997 as an umbrella organization for local paramilitary groups and was later revealed to have links with government officials.
