At least 5 killed in shooting in southern Colombia

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - At least five people were killed in a shooting in southern Colombia, local media reported on Wednesday.

The incident took place when gunmen opened fire at people in a house in the La Esperanza neighborhood in Putumayo. One person was also seriously injured in the attack.

Locals reportedly called security forces after the gunshots were heard, but the attackers fled the scene.

Interior Minister Alfonso Prada said that 400 soldiers have been deployed to prevent criminal activities in the region.

Earlier this month, 23 people lost their lives in a clash between organized crime groups in the same region that borders Ecuador and Peru and is considered a strategic location by drug smugglers.