6 Colombian soldiers dead, 7 missing in suspected rebel ambush

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Six Colombian soldiers were killed in an ambush sprung by suspected rebels in the country's southwest, while seven more were listed as missing, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to Caracol Radio, the troops were ambushed in the village of Munchique, located in the Cauca administrative region's town of Buenos Aires, in attack with grenades and long-barreled firearms.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by the "Jaime Martinez" group, a sub-group of FARC (former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) members who did not surrender their weapons.

Six soldiers were reportedly injured in the attack, with a sizable operation launched soon after in the area, according to a statement by the military.

Three soldiers were slain last week when they were attacked in the El Plateado area in the municipality of Argelia.

Despite peace agreement being reached between the state and FARC, some former leaders and members who disagree with the group rebel group continue to engage in violent clashes.