Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / AMERICAS
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
07:19 GMT, Saturday, 19 July 2008 08:19 UK

Colombia rebels seize 10 hostages

map

Colombia's left-wing Farc rebels have kidnapped 10 people in the north-west of the country.

Guerrillas forced a boat load of people travelling along the Atrato River in Choco province to the shore, before seizing the hostages.

Kidnappings for ransom remain the main source of income for the Farc, along with drug trafficking.

Earlier this month their best-known hostage, ex-presidential hopeful Ingrid Betancourt, was rescued by troops.

Despite the successful operation, it is clear that the Farc (the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) has not abandoned its policy of kidnappings, the BBC's Jeremy McDermott in Colombia says.

The rebels' latest attack in Choco also sends a defiant message to President Alvaro Uribe, our correspondent says.

On Sunday, millions of Colombians are expected to take part in rallies against kidnappings.

More than 200 Colombians are believed to be held in captivity by the Farc.



E-mail this to a friend

SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©