FARC rebels injured in 'combat' with Colombian army: Minister

FARC rebels in Colombia have clashed with government forces in the centre of the country, Defence Minister Luis Carlos Villegas has said, as the two sides push to finalise a historic peace deal.

"This took place 48 hours ago in La Uribe. A FARC patrol unit came upon an army rapid response team patrol and engaged," Villegas said yesterday.

The injured rebels were members of a delegation that was due to travel to the ongoing peace talks being held in Havana. The violence comes as a discouraging sign as the government and rebels are thought to be close to ending five decades of civil war.