15 Colombian Soldiers Killed

BOGOTA, Colombia — Marxist rebels killed at least 15 soldiers in two incidents Wednesday in the worst single day of troop losses this year, the Colombian army’s commander said.

Troops also killed an indeterminate number of rebels in the battles with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in the provinces of Meta and Valle del Cauca, Gen. Mario Montoya said.

The Colombian military has gone on the offensive in recent weeks to limit rebel action before the May 28 presidential election. Polls say incumbent Alvaro Uribe, a close U.S. ally, will easily win a second term thanks to his tough policies against the FARC.

Wednesday’s losses were the worst in one day since December, when rebels killed 29 troops.