Colombian FARC rebels released two abducted pilots

July 30, 2012

BOGOTA, July 30 — The rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) yesterday released two civilian helicopter pilots kidnapped 20 days ago, said the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).   

Juan Carlos Alvarez and Alejandro de Jesus Ocampo were set free and handed over to representatives of the ICRC and a local non-governmental organisation in a rural area of Argelia municipality in southwest Cauca province, the ICRC said in a statement.   

A Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) member escorts Colombian civilian helicopter pilots Juan Carlos Alvarez (C) and Alejandro de Jesus Ocampo (R) in Puerto Rico, Cauca Province in this July 29, 2012 photo. — Reuters pic Alvarez and Ocambo were kidnapped by the guerrillas on July 10, 2012 after their helicopter made emergency landing due to a mechanical failure. FARC members then burnt the helicopter.   

“In this case, we participated (in the release) because the armed group asked us for help,” said Jordi Raich, the ICRC representative in Colombia.   

“We are pleased to have been able to make it possible for these people to be back with their loved ones,” added Raich.

Last Wednesday, the FARC group issued a statement asking for ICRC and non-governmental organisation representatives to assist with the pilots’ release. — Bernama