The Maquis

The Maquis is a paramilitary organization of former Federation citizens formed from the colonies affected by the border changes wrought by the Federation-Cardassain Treaty of 2370. This treaty was the result of a long and bloody war between the United Federation of Planets and the Cardassian Union. In order for the peace treaty to become successful, both sides conceded territory which has become known as the Demilitarized Zone, and thus, the Federation colonies inside this zone felt like they had been abandoned by the government.

In response to Cardassian hostilities toward these colonies and to the perception that they had been abandoned by the Federaytion government, the Maquis grew into existence.

Members of the Maquis had often been victims of violence directed toward them by the Cardassian military. They felt the intention was to force them from their homes, and many chose to fight rather than leave. So, from the petty squabbles between the settlers and the Cardassians, the Maquis began to wage a terrorist campaign against all Cardassians.

There are constant skirmishes between the Maquis and the Cardassians, and this is costing the Cardassians a lot of energy and effort. The Maquis are also deemed outlaws under Federation law, and are thus their enemy too, although they often receive help from a lot of Federation officials.