Colombian forces have bombed a rebel camp in the southern jungle province of Meta, killing at least 16 leftist guerrillas, the country's military command has said.

The aerial bombing on Saturday was part of Colombia's hunt for Jorge Briceno, known as "Mono Jojoy," chief military commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).

An army corporal was also killed in the operation, the army added without explaining the circumstances of his death.

Government troops have been stepping up pressure on Farc camps where they believe the rebel boss has been hiding.

President Alvaro Uribe, first elected in 2002, is popular for his US-backed crackdown on the cocaine-financed Farc.

He may run for a third term next year if his supporters succeed in changing the constitution to allow him to campaign again.

The Farc is Latin America's oldest and largest armed group, and has been battling the government in Bogota for 45 years.