23 Oil workers abducted in Colombia

Assailants have kidnapped at least 23 Colombian oil workers in a remote eastern jungle region, officials say.

The employees, subcontracted by Canadian oil firm Talisman, are thought to have been seized by the Farc rebels, who have a strong presence in the area.

The workers, based at an oil camp in Vichada Department, were reported to have been taken deeper into the jungle by canoes.

Colombian troops have been deployed to the area to search for them.

Vichada Governor Juan Carlos Avila said all of those kidnapped were Colombian nationals.

He told Radio Caracol that "three men burst into the camp" and forced the workers to go with them into the jungle.

Mr Avila said the air force had joined the search.