Colombian soldier killed, 4 injured in dissident FARC attack

April 9 (UPI) -- The Colombian Army said one soldier died and four were injured in an attack likely carried out by dissident former members of the FARC rebel group.

The Fourth Division of the Colombian National Army said one soldier was missing -- later found injured -- following the explosion of an improvised explosive device targeting a convoy in a village known as Momposina in Colombia's Guaviare Department on Saturday.

"In fact, unfortunately a professional soldier lost his life and a non-commissioned officer and two professional soldiers are wounded as a result of the strong explosion. At this moment the search for a non-commissioned officer, who is missing, intensifies," the Colombian Army's Fourth Division said in a statement. "This command expresses its condolences and sympathizes with the family of our hero of the homeland, who offered his life, for complying with the oath to defend and safeguard the civilian population."

Colombian officials said they believe the militants who carried out the attack are members of a dissident FARC group led by Gentil Duarte, a former FARC member who is wanted by U.S., Colombian and international authorities, such as Interpol.

"I condemn subversive attack in Guaviare that left a soldier dead and four wounded. Solidarity with their families. Army continues work in the area," Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said in a statement.