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| Caribbean-Latin America |
| Eight policemen killed in Colombia |
| 2010-09-12 |
| [Iran Press] Fresh clashes between police and leftist militants in southwestern Colombia near the border with Ecuador have left eight police officers dead. A senior police official said Friday the fighting broke out as members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) tried to take over San Miguel town in Putumayo province. Four police officers were wounded and two civilians were reported missing during the clashes, police and defense ministry officials said. Colombia's Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera said he "communicated with Ecuador's Security Minister Miguel Carvajal, who agreed to immediately activate the cross-border bi-national commission, to conduct a joint investigation into the facts." A 2008 cross-border raid by Colombia's military into Ecuador killed a top FARC commander and 25 others, prompting Ecuador to break off diplomatic ties. Relations have recently been reestablished. FARC, Colombia's oldest militant group, and the smaller National Liberation Army have recently stepped up their attacks against the government, a close US ally. The violence has particularly increased in the south of the country. Over 50 people have been killed this month alone, including 17 police officers and soldiers killed last week. Violence often surges during government transitions in Colombia. Incoming President Juan Manuel Santos has vowed to maintain pressure on militants. |
| Posted by:Fred |