50 Are Reported Slain in Guerrilla Attacks

At least 50 people were reported to have been killed when Marxist rebels tried to storm the stronghold of a Colombian death squad leader, authorities said. Ten peasants were killed Monday in attacks by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, according to Mario Carrascal, mayor of Puerto Libertad. Army troops poured into the area a day later, and a spokesman said at least 40 soldiers were feared killed in a rebel ambush. Military sources said the rebels had been attempting to push into the power base of Carlos Castano, a right-wing death squad leader.