BOGOTA - Recent attacks of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) indicate the rebel group is still a threat, US ambassador in Bogota Michael Mckinley said Tuesday.

The attacks also signaled the FARC's attempt to demonstrate strength, he said, as the rebel group believes they were the only way to react to the government's strong military offensives.

McKinley was particularly concerned about the situation in the southern province of Cauca, where the FARC struck in Toribio, Corintio and Caldono over the weekend, leaving 6 dead, 70 others wounded and about 500 houses destroyed.

Colombian Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera said the attacks was a FARC strategy to disrupt the army's manhunt for Alfonso Cano, the FARC's top leader.