2 Jan 2010

Rebels killed by govt forces

6:00 pm on 2 January 2010

An air strike by Colombian forces has killed at least 18 rebels as they held a New Year's party in the jungle.

The defence ministry said another 13 surrendered when troops stormed their base in Meta province.

Friday's raid was in retaliation for the killing last week of the governor of the southern province of Caqueta.

Luis Francisco Cuellar was taken hostage and later found murdered.