Colombia frees eight child recruits from the ELN Published duration 2 January 2017

image copyright AP image caption The military operation was conducted by army special forces

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

The group were found during an army operation in a remote northern region, in which at least 12 rebel fighters were 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.

A fresh attempt to arrange talks is due to take place in neighbouring Ecuador this month.

According to the ministry the operation took place in the municipality of Montecristo in the northern department of Bolivar.

The minors have been placed under state protection and a ministry statement said the ELN "continued to infringe international human rights with the continued forced recruitment of under age recruits"

The ministry said a cache of weapons and field communication equipment had also been captured.

On Saturday, the ELN released a businessman it had been holding hostage since March .

Octavio Figueroa was freed close to the Venezuelan border, after an undisclosed ransom was paid.