Bogota, May 22 - At least 12 army soldiers were killed in clashes with rebels in northern Colombia Monday, officials said.

The fighting between Colombian Army soldiers and the rebel of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) erupted in the northern Guajira department near the Venezuelan border, Xinhua reported.

"We have received reports of the death of 12 soldiers and the wounding of four others who are receiving medical care in hospitals in Maicao," the capital of Guajira, local government spokesperson Yusti lopez said.

President Hugo Chavez has ordered increased security along the border with Colombia.