FARC releases Chinese hostages

Colombian guerrilla group FARC released three Chinese hostages and a translator Wednesday that were kidnapped last year, reported local media Thursday.

The Chinese citizens were delivered to the Red Cross in Los Pozos (see map), in the southern department of Caqueta. Early reports suggest that the foreigners are in good health and will be moved to Bogota Thursday.

Engineers Zhau Hong, Yang Jing, Tang Guo Fu and their Colombian translator were captured on June 8, 2011 while working for Emerald Energy. The four employees were traveling by car in the town of San Vicente del Caguan, a traditional hotspot for FARC guerrillas, when at least seven armed men blocked the car and took them hostage.

The following month, FARC demanded $3 million for the release of the hostages.

Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon is expected to confirm the details in the coming hours.

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