insurgent

Forged from a decades-long war against insurgents and cartels, Colombia's military and intelligence services are seen as highly capable.

France has advised its citizens in Mali to leave as soon as possible, as Islamist insurgents continue their blockade of the country.

Some officials have also welcomed the prospect of the US helping fight the insurgents, as long as it is not done unilaterally.

The surge defeated the Iran-backed Shiite insurgents and Sunni diehards, making it possible for the nascent Iraqi government to succeed with a much-reduced U.S. troop presence.

His threat passed with his regime, yet insurgents and foreign terrorists scourged Iraq and inflicted heavy costs on U.S. forces for several years until Mr. Bush, urged on by Cheney, changed course with the surge.