After a half-century of conflict, the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government signed a definitive ceasefire and disarmament agreement on Thursday.

Here are key dates in Latin America's longest armed conflict, which has killed 260,000 people according to official data.

- 1964: FARC formed -

The government launches an offensive against communist groups in the center and west of the country. On May 27, rebel commander Manuel Marulanda Velez flees the government assault with 47 other men and forms the FARC.

- 1984: First peace bid -

On March 28, conservative president Belisario Betancur launches peace talks with the FARC under a bilateral truce.

The initiative breaks down in 1987 after right-wing paramilitaries assassinate a presidential candidate from a party allied to the FARC. Further peace efforts collapse in 1992 and 2002.

- 1996: Hostages taken -

On August 30, the FARC takes 60 Colombian soldiers hostage at a military base in the south.

The raid marks the start of its strategy of mass hostage-takings that dominates the conflict over the following years.

- 2000: 'Plan Colombia' -
In June, the United States and Colombian president Andres Pastrana launch "Plan Colombia," a joint anti-narcotics strategy.

It is later broadened to include anti-guerrilla operations. Washington has spent more than $8.0 billion on the effort.

- 2002: Betancourt captured - 

In February, the FARC kidnap Ingrid Betancourt, a Franco-Colombian politician.

During six years in captivity in the jungle, she becomes an international symbol of the conflict. She is rescued by the military in 2008.

- 2011: FARC leader killed -

The FARC's top commander Alfonso Cano is killed in a raid by the Colombian army on November 4.

Two other top leaders of the force, Raul Reyes and Jorge Briceno, were killed in 2008 and 2010. 

Cano is replaced by current leader Timoleon Jimenez, who reaches out to the government for peace talks.

- 2012: New peace talks -

On October 4, President Juan Manuel Santos's government launches the latest peace talks with the FARC, weakened by the loss of its top leaders.

- 2016: Full ceasefire -
On June 23, the FARC and the government sign a definitive ceasefire and disarmament agreement.

Santos says he hopes to seal a full peace deal within weeks. Under the accord, disarmament must be completed within the following six months.

Source: AFP