The Colombian Air Force on Monday said a military operation set to free a hostage in Colombia resulted in the deaths of three rebels belonging to the guerrilla organisation ELN.
The air force statement said that a fourth ELN fighter was arrested after the operation, which occurred in the north-west department of Choco.
Meanwhile, the freed hostage was identified as a businessman.
ELN, founded in 1964, has approximately 2,000 fighters.
“It is in discussion with the Colombian government on the initiation of a peace process.
“The government of Juan Manuel Santos has demanded that the group first frees all hostages,’’ it added.
However, Santos’ government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group on Thursday signed a cease-fire agreement, ending their decades-long conflict.