Colombian forces raid Farc camp

The raid took place in the province of Meta, an area used by the Farc to produce cocaine

At least 18 Colombian Farc rebels have been killed when the country’s air force bombed a southern jungle camp where dozens of guerrillas were celebrating the new year, officials said.

The bombardment took place on Friday in the province of Meta, an area used by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc, to produce the cocaine that funds its decades-old war insurgency.

“While Colombia’s families celebrated the holiday, our soldiers kept their commitment to confront narco-terrorism in the jungles of the country,” Defence Minister Gabriel Silva said.

Fifteen Farc guerrillas surrendered to Colombian ground troops who stormed the camp after the bombing, officials said.

The two sides exchanged fire, but there were no immediate reports of military
casualties.

In another attack, a teenager and a soldier were killed in a New Year’s Eve raid by the leftist rebels, the country’s military said on Friday.

Guerrillas from the Farc opened fire against an army patrol in the southwestern region of Huila, killing the soldier and a 14-year-old who was caught in the crossfire.

Four other people were hurt in the incident, according to a military spokesperson.

The armed forces have offered a reward of $15,000 for information leading to the capture of the perpetrators.

The Farc, which is thought to number 6,000 to 10,000 fighters, has been at war with the Colombian government for around 45 years.

Tags: Columbia Farc