Colombia has been eagerly awaiting the release of six FARC hostages. Bogota has temporarily withdrawn its army from the area of delivery. Preparations for the release of six Colombians kidnapped by the FARC have been ready. The humanitarian mission of the Red Cross, supported by Brazil, has been most eager and able.

On December 21, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) offered a unilateral release of six hostages, who are part of a group of 28 ‘political’ hostages, in exchange for thousands of rebel prisoners. To ensure the success of the operation, the Armed Forces of Colombia arranged for a 36-hour ceasefire over a wide area in the south. The government will facilitate the release of six hostages, but vows to continue fighting the guerrillas until the release of all captives is completed.

Four of the six hostages have been released. The remaining two will be freed later this week. FARC has been known as a notorious hostage-taker that is said to be keeping hundreds of hostages.

President Álvaro Uribe, himself, said that the Colombian FARC is rotting in the jungles of Colombia. Nothing can be truer than those words. FARC is tired and has lost all zealousness. They have also turned terrorist and active players in the drug trade. Such is what usually happens to rebel guerilla forces. Sooner than later, they bite the temptation to plunge to the deepest end of being outlaws. They start out as bright and passionate revolutionaries fighting for a just cause only to end up as common criminals.

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Via BBC