Colombian rebels find haven in Venezuela

El Cruce, Venezuela -- Leftist rebels fighting Colombia's U.S.-backed military have increasingly found refuge in Venezuela, where they get weapons, food, medical treatment and a smuggling route for the cocaine that keeps them afloat. Former rebels, local citizens and Colombian officials told The Associated Press that hundreds or even thousands of Colombian insurgents are in Venezuela at any given time. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who last month publicly recognized the rebels as "insurgent forces."

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