Violence is continuing in Colombia as government troops try to reclaim a former rebel enclave and to free abducted presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt.

Early Tuesday, marxist rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia destroyed several bridges, roads and power lines in various parts of the country, outside of the former rebel haven.

Meanwhile, government troops are continuing their march into the former guerilla enclave in south-central Colombia. President Andres Pastrana ordered the military action last week following the failure of peace talks.

AP
Ingrid Betancourt passing out campaign literature

On Monday, President Pastrana demanded the immediate release of presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, who was kidnapped Saturday by FARC rebels. In a fiery speech Monday, the president accused the guerillas of "kidnapping democracy."

Reports say FARC has offered to exchange Ms. Betancourt for imprisoned guerillas.

The rebels have attacked government troops and blown up power lines, roads and bridges since Mr. Pastrana ended three and a half years of negotiations on February 21. The attacks have left several southern Colombian towns without power or running water.

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version