Six Colombian police died in an alleged FARC attack Thursday.
According to reports, the attack took place around 2:30AM near Tibu, a town in the northern department of Norte de Santander, only miles from the Venezuelan border. The attack left six police dead and 14 wounded.
Local media said the police were part of a coca plant eradication operation that began Saturday.
In the days leading up to the attack, there had reportedly been intense resistance from suspected FARC guerrillas, leaving some members of the police unit wounded.
According to reports, the attackers used gas cylinder mortars during the clash.
International organization Human Rights Watch has called upon the FARC to cease its use of these weapons, citing their lack of precision and risk of killing civilians.
Police and army forces are currently in the area searching for the attackers.
The security situation in Norte de Santander has worsened in recent months as guerilla activity has intensified in the region.