TROOPS ADVANCE AGAINST DRUG LABS

LA ESPERANZA, Colombia -- Bouyed by unexpected success in fumigating coca
crops, a U.S.-financed offensive is targeting clandestine jungle labs in
search-and-destroy missions in the heart of the world's main
cocaine-producing region.

Colombian army troops, trained by Green Berets and guided by spyplane and
satellite technology, have had only light skirmishes with leftist rebels
and rival right-wing paramilitary gunmen who earn millions of dollars from
"taxing" the cocaine industry in southern Colombia.

U.S. officials say it's too early to declare victory, but the Colombian
commander of the operations says rebel vows to combat the offensive have
proved empty.

"We had expected tough fights when we went into these places. We thought
they would shoot down our helicopters and planes. But the engagements have
been routine," Colombian army Gen. Mario Montoya told reporters Monday at
Tres Esquinas army base, where U.S. intelligence experts have operated
alongside Colombian military personnel in a heavily guarded Joint
Intelligence Center.