Colombian troops kill 10 left-wing rebels

Most of those killed belonged to the main rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Colombian troops killed at least 10 left-wing rebels during armed clashes in several parts of the country, a military statement said.

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Most of those killed on Friday belonged to the main rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the military stated.

FARC has launched an offensive in recent weeks to disrupt parliamentary elections set for March 12.

Analysts believe the group's goal was to discredit the government of President Alvaro Uribe, who was running for re-election in May.

Uribe has stepped up efforts to defeat Colombia's left-wing rebels by military force since coming to power in August 2002.