Colombian rebels kill four hostages after army attempts rescue

[Zorro]

Source: LA Times

Four military hostages held for as long as 14 years by Colombian rebels were executed by their captors in a southeastern jungle during a rescue attempt by the army, Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon said Saturday.

He said three of the four hostages –- one soldier and three members of the national police -– were killed with gunshots to the head and the other with a gunshot in the back by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by its Spanish initials, FARC.

"We regret profoundly that these victims were killed in cold blood, in a state of absolute defenselessness," Pinson told a hastily called news conference in Bogota, the Colombian capital. "These deeds will not remain unpunished. They will be brought to justice."

He said the bodies were discovered at 10 a.m. Saturday in an unspecified area in Caqueta province shortly after combat ended. One rebel was taken prisoner after the operation.

Read more: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/11/colombian-rebels-kill-4-hostages-after-rescue-attempt.html