Rebels kill nine in attack on Colombian military post

Left-wing rebels attacked a Colombian military post with home-made rockets today, killing at least nine soldiers and wounding about 20.

Government forces in river gunboats, helicopters and a flying gunship were pursuing the rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, who attacked the post in south-west Colombia, the navy said .

It was the bloodiest attack by the FARC this year and came amid a government offensive, called Plan Patriot, deep into the rebel’s jungle lairs.

FARC rebels used large gas cylinders converted into rockets to attack the Marine outpost, the navy said.