18 FARC Rebels Killed by Colombian Army

The Colombian Army killed at least 18 guerrilla fighters of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the Cauca region on Thursday. The raid is the deadliest since peace talks started two years ago. According to Army sources, the attack included an air bombing raid, followed by ground combat. Recently the Army had attacked another rebel position, but 10 soldiers died in the attack. The raid on rebel positions followed the death of a seven-year-old girl who stepped on a land mine in the same part of the country. There is no indication that Thursday’s raid will disrupt peace talks now entering into their 37th round in Havana. Major issues to be discussed include victim reparation, the immediate demobilization of paramilitary groups and the decriminalization of rebel activity. President Juan Manuel Santos has made no comment on the recent attacks, nor has he responded to the widespread demand for a bilateral ceasefire. In a meeting with visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Santos expressed his thanks for China’s support for the peace process. teleSUR