guerrilla groups

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US Hostage Released by Colombian Rebels

Kevin Scott Sutay, 26, freed after 4 months

(Newser) - A US hiker being held captive by guerrilla fighters in Colombia has been released, according to a statement by the Cuban and Norwegian governments. The two countries are sponsoring peace talks between the FARC rebel group and the Colombian government, and the release of US military vet Kevin Scott Sutay...

Greeks Nab Parcel Bomb Addressed to Sarkozy

Others addressed to various embassies; no al-Qaeda link seen

(Newser) - Greek police have intercepted several packages containing “explosive devices,” one of which was addressed to Nicolas Sarkozy, Reuters reports. One, addressed to the Mexican embassy, exploded at an Athens courier firm, slightly wounding an employee. Others addressed to the Dutch and Belgian embassies were detonated by police. Two...

As Guerrillas Flee, Bird Watchers Flock to Colombia

(Newser) - Colombia’s guerrilla forces have suffered major setbacks in recent years, and bird lovers are singing a happy tune, the Wall Street Journal reports. Last month saw the return of Steven Hilty, the man who literally wrote the book on Colombian bird watching, after a more than 20-year absence. Another...

Betancourt Hails Release as a 'Miracle'

Freed hostage praises 'perfect' operation, still wants to be president

(Newser) - For Ingrid Betancourt, the French-Colombian politician freed after more than 6 years in captivity, her release yesterday was a “miracle.” Colombian soldiers, posing as NGO officials, tricked FARC rebels and rescued Betancourt and 14 other hostages without gunfire. “There is no historical precedent for such a perfect...

Sarko: Betancourt Near Death
 Sarko: Betancourt Near Death 

Sarko: Betancourt Near Death

French president renews call for FARC ro release hostage

(Newser) - Nicolas Sarkozy today reiterated his call for FARC to free hostage Ingrid Betancourt, saying the Colombian-French politician is "in danger of imminent death," Reuters reports. After 6 years in the rebel guerrillas' custody, Betancourt reportedly began a hunger strike Feb. 23. "Free Ingrid Betancourt and the weakest...

Colombia Offers Swap: Hostages for Prisoners

FARC must release ailing Betancourt for deal to go through

(Newser) - After more than 6 years in captivity, Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt will go free if FARC agrees to a deal Alvaro Uribe signed off on last night, the Guardian reports. The Colombian president issued a decree saying the country will release imprisoned rebel fighters in exchange for Betancourt, a onetime...

Error Sends Former Radical Back to Jail

5 days after Olson's release, prison officials cite clerical mistake

(Newser) - Five days after her release from prison, police today re-arrested a former member of the Symbionese Liberation Army and said she had to serve another year. Authorities said they made a clerical error and freed Sara Jane Olson too soon, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Olson, 61, had served six...

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