ICRC assists in hostage handover
Rebels in Colombia have handed over four hostages to the Swiss-run International Committee of the Red Cross.
The hostages – three police officers and a soldier – had been held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) for more than a year.
A Brazilian military helicopter with the ICRC insignia picked up the hostages on Sunday and flew them to a provincial Colombian airport where they were met by relatives and peace activists.
They were among six hostages Farc has pledged to liberate unconditionally this week in response to a plea from Colombian intellectuals. Two Colombian politicians are also due to be set free. Observers have described the releases as a goodwill gesture.
At least 22 soldiers and police continue to be held by the Farc. The rebel army has tried to overthrow successive Colombian governments in order to impose a leftist regime that they say would redistribute land more equitably.
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