Colombian rebels free 21 of 22 kidnapped oil workers

Colombian rebels free 21 of 22 kidnapped oil workers

2011-03-09 07:34:29 GMT+7 (ICT)

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (BNO NEWS) -- Colombia's Defense Ministry on Tuesday confirmed that 21 of the 22 oil workers that remained kidnapped were freed.

On Monday, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known as FARC, kidnapped the oil workers who work for South Exploration America, although subcontracted by Canadian-based Talisman Energy. However, one of the kidnapped individuals was able to escape and was key in search and rescue operations.

The kidnapping occurred at Prince Port, which is located in Vichada, and according to local residents, they were taken onto boats on the Uva River.

Military operations were immediately conducted with search efforts by air, land, and water. Army General Alejandro Navas said that military pressure forced the rebel group to free 21 of the kidnapped individuals, fleeing the area with one hostage as a 'human shield.'

Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera said the victims of the massive kidnapping are 'humble workers' and mostly indigenous. He also stated that those freed were in good health.

In addition, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said his government would not rest until the country is 'free of kidnappings.' He also praised the military operations.

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