Over 1,000 landmines found in Colombia

At least 1,053 landmines, which rebel guerrillas were planning to use in attacks ahead of the May 30 presidential elections in Colombia, have been found buried in a rural area in the northwestern region.

At least 1,053 landmines, which rebel guerrillas were planning to use in attacks ahead of the May 30 presidential elections in Colombia, have been found buried in a rural area in the northwestern region, police said.

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The mines found in Antioquia province belonged to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), "which planned to utilize the landmines to carry out terrorist attacks against the upcoming elections", the National Police said Tuesday.

Last week, the commander of an army explosives disposal team was killed in a landmine blast, while the team was clearing a mine field in Antioquia province.

Capt Victor Hugo Valencia was killed May 17 near a place where the rebels blasted electricity transmission towers using dynamite, leaving residents of four towns without power.

Since 1990, over 1,700 people have been killed in landmine blasts planted by guerrillas and drug traffickers, the defence ministry said.