BBC News Online: World: Americas

Twenty reported dead in Colombian clashes

Clashes between the Colombian army and left-wing guerillas are reported to have killed twenty people in the northern Antioquia Province.

Army officials said gunfights with rebels from the Revoltionary Armed Forces of Colombia -- FARC -- and the National Liberation Army -- ELN -- killed fifteen paramilitaries and five soldiers.

President Andres Pastrana began peace talks with the FARC two years ago.

He has also attempted to begin negotiations with the smaller Cuban-backed ELN. Although the FARC and the ELN differ ideologically, they sometimes carry out joint military operations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service