FARC releases two hostages

[Mark]

Great news! Two women hostages have been freed by Colombian rebels. The FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) released Clara Rojas and Consuelo González after being held for several years. The FARC could still have up to 750 hostages in the Colombian jungle.

President Hugo Cháves of Venezuela has been the mediator for the release of the hostages. The women were picked up by two Venezuelan helicopters in an operation overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which also confirmed their release.

A previous attempt was called off by the FARC claiming that the Colombian government was holding military operations in the area.

ICRC helicopters are taking Clara Rojas and Consuelo González to Venezuela from where they will return home to Colombia.

Best wishes,

Mark