Monday, April 2, 2012

VOA News: Americas: Colombian Rebels Free 10 Long-Time Hostages

VOA News: Americas
Americas Voice of America
Colombian Rebels Free 10 Long-Time Hostages
Apr 3rd 2012, 00:21

The Red Cross says Colombian rebels have freed 10 hostages held in the jungle for 12 years or longer.

Officials with the International Red Cross say the four soldiers and six policemen were airlifted from their jungle prison Monday aboard a helicopter supplied by the Brazilian air force. They were flown to the city of Villavicencio.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, promised to free the captives in February.  Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has refused to negotiate with FARC until it stopped kidnappings.

But some Colombian civilian groups believe FARC is still holding as many as 700 hostages and they doubt the rebels are serious about talking peace.

FARC has been active since 1964, saying it is fighting for the rights of the poor.  It funds its operations mainly through drug trafficking and holding hostages for ransom.

Colombia, the European Union, and United States regard FARC as a terrorist group.

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