Colombian ambush 'kills eight police'

FARC rebels were blamed for the attack

Police in Colombia say at least eight officers have been killed and five wounded in an ambush by left-wing rebels.

We must continue on the road to defeat the violent ones, as that is the only option this nation has to move ahead

President Alvaro Uribe

Explosives went off underneath a police vehicle near the town of Quipile, around 50 kilometres (31 miles) west of the capital, Bogota.

The rebels then opened fire on the officers.

Police have blamed the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

The attack comes despite efforts by the government to make roads safe from rebel attacks.

Soldiers have been providing escorts for tourists and guarding some roads.

President Alvaro Uribe said the attack was a cause of "more and more pain" for Colombians.

"We must continue on the road to defeat the violent ones, as that is the only option this nation has to move ahead," he said.

Raids

Meanwhile, the Associated Press quoted authorities as saying that the second largest rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), was responsible for the deaths of four civilians in Tame, 330 kilometres (205 miles) north-east of Bogota.

The bodies of a civil defence volunteer, a farmer, his wife and their daughter were found on Sunday accompanied by a note from the ELN.

It is also reported that 25 right-wing paramilitaries have been arrested in several raids in the south of Colombia.

They are accused of killing civilians and forcing others to leave their homes.

About 3,500 people, mostly civilians, are killed every year by fighting between the government and rival groups.