Bush advisers weigh targeting Colombian rebels in terrorism war

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Senior government officials say that President Bush's national security team is scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss whether the U.S. war on terrorism should include helping to defeat leftist guerrillas in Colombia.

Under current law and presidential directives, United States military assistance to Colombia is limited to activities in the effort to counternarcotics trafficking. But following the kidnapping of a Colombian senator there last week and a presidential candidate Saturday, officials say the administration wants to boost assistance to Colombia in its war against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas -- known by their Spanish acronym, FARC.

Opponents of direct U.S. counterinsurgency aid to the Colombian military argue that it could raise human rights concerns and lead to a quagmire reminiscent of Vietnam.

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Bush administration officials say, however, that the president definitely wants to increase assistance to the government of President Andres Pastrana. "The question is under what legal authority," says one.

U.S. officials say they already have sped up the delivery of spare parts to Colombia for U.S.-made helicopters and other equipment, and have increased intelligence cooperation. With Colombian troops moving into the area held by the FARC and long off-bounds to them, Washington is also discussing with Bogota joint operations to spray and destroy coca fields in the area.

The United States has promised $98 million in new assistance to Colombia to pay for additional security for an oil pipeline used by Occidental Petroleum to transport Colombian oil destined for the U.S. market.