Colombian President Andres Pastrana has expanded the military's powers in much of southern Colombia to counter a wave of attacks by the country's largest rebel group.

The presidential decree, issued Thursday, encompasses the area formerly set off as a safe haven for the rebels and extends to an area within 50 miles of Bogota, Colombia's capital city. It gives the army the power to register civilians, impose curfews, set roadblocks and regulate business hours in 19 towns. It also offers citizens a reward of some $400,000 for information leading to capture of rebel leaders.

The decision comes as the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, intensify counter-offensive operations against the government. Authorities say the FARC bombed three electricity pylons and a transmitting station near the Venezuelan border, early Thursday, leaving area residents without power. Troops are guarding bridges and reservoirs in Bogota, not far from the military zone.

The French news service, AFP, reports Mr. Pastrana warned his people to be on guard in the coming days for what he termed "larger terrorist attacks."

The rebels stepped up their violent campaign after the government ended peace talks with them and ordered the military to reclaim the guerrillas' southern stronghold. The decision followed the FARC's hijacking of a passenger plane and kidnapping of a prominent senator on board.

Colombia is involved in a 38-year civil war that involves the FARC, another smaller leftist rebel group, right-wing paramilitaries, and government forces. The conflict has killed at least 40,000 people in the past decade alone.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

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