Colombian authorities say at least 60 people are dead following the latest clashes between leftist rebels and right-wing paramilitaries in northwest Colombia. 

Officials say many of the casualties occurred in the town of Bojaya Friday when a gas bomb hit a church and exploded. Scores of people were wounded. 

Officials say the victims were seeking refuge from the fighting between the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, and paramilitary United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia. Other clashes also were reported in nearby Vigia del Fuerte. 

Both groups have been branded as terrorist organizations by the United States. 

Colombia is in the midst of a 38-year civil war that involves the FARC and a smaller rebel group, the paramilitaries and the Colombian government. The conflict has left at least 40,000 people dead in the past decade alone. 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters

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