Colombian security forces have clashed with a Marxist rebel group and captured one of its most notorious kidnappers.

Soldiers fought Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) rebels in the province of Cundinamarca, killing 10 and capturing another eight. Among those taken was a leader known as 'El Negro Antonio', whom authorities have been seeking for over a decade.

One soldier was killed in the combat and a kidnap victim rescued.

The operation took place in the mountain range of Sumapaz in Cundinamarca province.

It is a severe setback for the Farc, not just because of the number of rebels killed and captured, but because it hinders the rebel group's plans to reopen a movement corridor into the capital, Bogotá.