17 Colombia Policemen Killed, 4 Hurt in Leftist Ambush
Seventeen policemen died and four were injured in a leftist rebel attack in Colombia’s Meta province Saturday, bringing to 28 the number of police, soldiers and judicial officials killed there in 24 hours.
The 21 policemen were ambushed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels while traveling in two vehicles outside the town of San Juan de Arama, authorities said. A 200-strong FARC column detonated dynamite charges and then attacked with grenades and rifle fire.
Guerrillas have mounted a widespread campaign to disrupt nationwide municipal elections Oct. 26. They have killed at least 26 candidates for mayoralties and town councils and forced more than 1,500 others to withdraw.
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