According to the statement, locals participated together with the guerrilla in what is described as a hostage-taking.
The Ministry of Defense points out EMC as being behind it. EMC is a breakaway faction from the Farc guerrilla and is led by rebels who have not accepted the peace agreement that Farc signed in 2016.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro writes on X that EMC is acting out of "desperation" and "military weakness".
Part of EMC is engaged in peace talks with the government, while another part withdrew from talks last year to continue the fight.
The incident took place in an area controlled by EMC, where there are large coca plantations. The state has been trying to regain control since October.
The recent violence is the worst in several years. A few months ago, dozens of people were killed in a wave of guerrilla attacks in the northern region of Catatumbo.
