In the northeast, FARC gunmen killed 34 Coca farmers on a farm apparently controlled by the rival AUC. Such killings have become more common as FARC and AUC compete for control of drug producing areas. FARC is particularly troubled, because its loss of popular support has made cash, to pay its gunmen, even more important. FARC and ELN, which began as leftist rebels decades ago, are now criminal organizations with large payrolls and bloody minded faction leaders eager to grab more power and wealth.