However, many civilians have been caught up in the crossfire following the surprise attack.

President Uribe sent 3,000 soldiers and police to wrest back control of Medellin.

The slum area of Comuna 13 was targeted in raids to round up rebels and paramilitaries.

Civilians were caught up in the street battles which killed 25 and injured another 25, including a four-year-old girl.

Arrests were made during Operation Orion, which upset many residents of Colombia's second-largest city.

Suspected left-wing rebels and right-wing paramilitaries - who have fought over Medellin - were rounded up.

Human rights groups say between 300 and 400 people have been killed in fighting in Medellin this year.

A curfew has now been imposed amid warnings that emergency measures could last for months.