<P> In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Latin America had several urban guerrilla movements whose strategy was to destabilize regimes and provoke a counter-reaction by the military . The theory was that a harsh military regime would oppress the middle classes who would then support the guerrillas and create a popular uprising . </P> <P> While these movements did destabilize governments, such as Argentina, Uruguay, Guatemala, and Peru to the point of military intervention, the military generally proceeded to completely wipe out the guerrilla movements, usually committing several atrocities among both civilians and armed insurgents in the process . </P> <P> Several other left - wing guerrilla movements, sometimes backed by Cuba, attempted to overthrow US - backed governments or right - wing military dictatorships . US - backed Contra guerrillas attempted to overthrow the left - wing Sandinista government of Nicaragua . The Sandinista Revolution saw the involvement of Women and the Armed Struggle in Nicaragua . </P> <P> During the eight - year Iran--Iraq war, irregular warfare was used against Iraqi military . The Iranian Irregular Warfare Headquarters, the 65th Airborne Special Forces Brigade of Iranian Army, and Peshmerga of Iraqi Kurdistan were involved . </P>

Where did the colonists learn to fight using guerilla tactics