Power gradually being restored in Colombia city

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Authorities in Colombia say electricity is gradually being restored in the port city of Buenaventura, which was blacked out Monday night when suspected rebels blew up a transmission tower.

Pacific Power Co. said Thursday that a team of more than 50 workers installed an emergency tower over three days so electricity could again start feeding into the Pacific coast city that is home to about 400,000 people. Priority for power service is being given to health institutions and security facilities.

Officials have blamed the attack on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, and President Juan Manuel Santos has warned that such attacks could cause him to break off peace talks with the rebel movement.

Representatives of the government and rebels have been negotiating in Cuba since late 2012.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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