The Colombian army says five people have been killed in a failed kidnapping attempt by the left-wing rebel movement FARC. The rebels planned to kidnap a candidate for the governorship of the south-eastern department of Guaviare.

The FARC apparently ambushed and opened fire on a convoy transporting the candidate. Although Colombian troops were quick to respond to the shots, in the ensuing gunfight three bodyguards and two policemen were killed and the politician was injured. It is unclear whether any FARC guerrillas were also killed.