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Four Colombian hostages released after jungle ordeal
Four hostages held in the Colombian jungle for at least six years each were freed by left wing Colombian rebel group FARC on Wednesday, the second such release this year.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:53 February 28, 2008
San Jose Del Guaviare: Four hostages held in the Colombian jungle for at least six years each were freed by left wing Colombian rebel group FARC on Wednesday, the second such release this year.
The four Colombian politicians were released to the International Red Cross and the interior minister of Venezuela in the midst of the Columbia's southern jungle, from where they were flown via helicopters to Venezuelan territory.
The former hostages were flown by private planes to Caracas, where they were welcomed with heartfelt reunions with their families.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, whose mediation in the Colombian conflict led to the releases, spoke to the hostages by phone. Jesse Chacon, a top aid of Chavez, said the hostages are safe and sound, adding that this step will ultimately lead to peace in Colombia.
This move follows the January release of two other politicians by FARC.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, who have been in longstanding conflict to facilitate a more equitable division of Colombia's resources, freed these hostages in an attempt to be taken off EU and US lists of international terrorist groups.
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