The Colombian armed forces suspended all military activity in Caquetá
to allow a humanitarian mission to pick up four hostages held by the
FARC. On Monday and Wednesday the rebels will hand over two more hostages.
The first hostages to be released are four members of the security forces, whose identity is still not disclosed. The humanitarian mission, consisting of mediator Piedad Córdoba, members of the group ‘Colombians for Peace, members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), two journalists and the Brazilian crew of the helicopters will arrive in Colombia Saturday.
They are expected to complete the pick up and reunite the four hostages Sunday during the day.
Unlike earlier reports the release of politicians Alan Jara and Sigifredo Lopez will not take place on Monday. The operation has been split in two; on Monday the FARC will release Alan Jara and the release of Sigifredo Lopez will follow on Wednesday.
According to Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos, his ministry and the ICRC agreed that the army should suspend military activity in the region where the pick up takes place. As soon as the mission has left the area, the army will resume its activities immediately.