Colombian defence ministry rescue 8 child soldiers recuited by the National Liberation Army guerrilla group

    Colombian defence ministry says it has rescued eight child soldiers recruited by the National Liberation Army guerrilla group.

    The group was found during an army operation in a remote northern region, in which at least 12 rebel fighters were captured.
   According to the ministry the operation took place in the metropolis of Montecristo in the northern department of Bolivar.
   The minors have been placed under state protection and a cache of weapons and field communication equipment has also been captured.
   The ELN has been fighting the government for more than five decades.
    Proposed peace talks broke down in October when the rebels failed to release a hostage they were holding and a fresh attempt to arrange talks is due to take place in neighbouring Ecuador this month.