Policemen killed in Colombia raid

The rebels have been fighting the state for decades

At least five policemen have been killed during a rebel attack on a remote village in the north-west of Colombia, officials say.

A police chief, Luis Ruiz, said the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) launched the attack.

Eight officers were reported injured, while three were still missing.

Initially about 40 police officers were reported missing, though most of those later turned up, saying they had fled into the jungle during the attack.

Colombia's 40-year conflict has seen the rebels fighting right-wing paramilitaries and state forces.

Tens of thousands of civilians are known to have died, and many peasants and indigenous people have been displaced.

Smuggling route

A large group of rebels entered the remote village of Sipi, in the province of Choco, during Sunday night and attacked the local police station, said General Ruiz.

The attack coincided with a small earthquake in the area, though no damage was caused.

The officers were stationed in Sipi to guard the village, which is on a key smuggling route.

In December, the Farc had tried to take control of the town, which can only be accessed by river.

The town was back in government hands late on Monday, though the rebels were said to have made off with at least 70 police assault rifles and ammunition.