FARC's recent release of prisoners comes at the same time that news of how they are running their 26,000 square mile area the government has pulled out of. FARC is apparently ruling with a heavy hand, imprisoning anyone suspected of being disloyal and executing or torturing those they are sure of disloyalty. Children are being recruited for their fighting forces. Indeed, the recent release of over 300 prisoners is seen as a cynical move to garner some good press while freeing a thousand fighters for combat. FARC has increased its combat operations since it got it's own zone to control.