Rebels Launch Attacks on Eve of Election
Guerrillas killed eight soldiers and a policeman in three separate attacks, part of a show of force before a legislative election, authorities said.
Colombians will elect a new Congress today, determining the amount of legislative support that President Alvaro Uribe would get if, as expected, he wins a second term in May.
Uribe, a U.S. ally, is popular for cutting crime in his offensive against the guerrillas.
The rebels, fighting a four-decade insurgency funded by the cocaine trade, often step up attacks before elections to show their strength and scare people away from the polls.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.