6 ELN rebels killed in Colombian military operation

​​​​​​​By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Six members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), an armed rebel group, were killed during a military operation conducted by the Colombian army, according to reports.

The El Tiempo newspaper said the operation targeted the village of La Cristalina in the Arauquita municipality, located in the Arauca region.

Four other rebels were captured, and a child held hostage by the group was rescued.

The military reported that a significant cache of weapons and ammunition was seized during the operation. Search efforts to find additional rebels in the area are ongoing.

The operation follows a Sept. 17 attack by ELN militants on a military base in Puerto Jordan, also in Arauca. That assault left three soldiers dead and 30 wounded.

The administration of President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks with the ELN in response to the attack.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul