Army officials in Colombia say they have re-established control over Mitu, aremote state capital which was overrun by guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia FARC rebel group three days ago.

More than onehundred and fifty policemen, soldiers and civilians have died in the violence in and around Mitu, but President Andres Pastrana of Colombia says it will not affect plans to hold talks with the rebels within the next few days.