Staff Writer With AFP

Five Colombian soldiers killed in suspected ELN rebel attack

Bogota (AFP) – Five Colombian soldiers were killed and 10 others wounded in a bomb attack near the Venezuelan border blamed on National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas, the head of the army said Tuesday. The attack comes a day after the ELN announced a temporary ceasefire to coincide with next month’s legislative elections. Army General Ricardo Gomez said the soldiers were on highway security duty in a rural area near Tibu, in the Norte de Santander department, when a blast hit the first vehicle of their convoy. “We have five of our men assassinated and 10 wounded,” Gomez told W Radio station, blaming ELN guerrillas active in the region. The survivors have been hospitalized, one of them in serious condition, Gomez said. “Absolute repudiation of the cowardly attack against our heroes,” tweeted President Juan Manuel Santos, vowing to “go after those responsible” – without mentioning the ELN by name. Stalled peace talks The ELN, which took up arms in 1964, began peace talks with the Colombian government a year ago in the Ecuadoran capital Quito. Talks however broke down in January. Santos is hoping to reach a peace deal with the 1,500-strong rebel force similar to the one he struck …