Farc rebels 'abduct medical team'

Farc guerrillas have been accused of abducting the medical team

The Colombian government has accused rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) of abducting at least 12 medical workers.

A team of doctors, dentists and nurses went missing near the Ecuador border during a trip to treat patients in remote jungle communities.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the guerrillas may have taken them across the border to treat their fighters.

The Colombian army has launched a large rescue operation.

The Colombian Welfare Ministry has called the incident a violation of international humanitarian law.

Earlier, local Colombian officials said the medical workers could have lost contact because of the remoteness of the terrain.