Restraint urged in Colombia stando

BOGOTA — A United Nations envoy urged restraint amid a tense standoff in Colombia between security forces and farmers.

Hundreds of riot police were deployed Saturday to El Mango in southwestern Colombia four days after a mob burned down a makeshift barracks and demanded that a small police contingent leave.

Todd Howland, UN human rights envoy to Colombia, said Saturday that residents say they fear the return of security forces could put them in harm’s way if the military and rebels step up combat.