Ingrid Betancourt freed in daring Colombian raid
Thursday, 3 July 2008
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The Colombian military has rescued politician Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages that were being held by FARC rebels in a remote jungle camp.
Ms Betancourt was abducted while campaigning for the country's presidency six years ago.
She was freed yesterday along with three US military contractors and 11 Colombian police and soldiers who were also being held hostage the rebels.
Officials say military spies managed to infiltrate the guerrillas and convince a local commander that they were taking the hostages to FARC leader Alfonso Cano.
Instead, they transported the 15 captives to an area where two military helicopters were waiting to bring them to freedom.
The mission, which was carried out with US co-operation, ended without a single shot being fired.
Ms Betancourt has described the rescue as a "miracle".
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