Ingrid Betancourt

Ingrid Betancourt's release, filmed by the Farc

Sophie Team Observers — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:46:57 +0200

A Colombian TV channel has broadcast a video of Ingrid Betancourt's rescue from the other side of the operation. When the helicopter takes off, the Farc cameraman, unaware of the trick that's just been played on him, is pleased to find that the fake humanitarian workers have left... a box of beer.

The video was obtained exclusively by the Colombian channel Noticias Uno. The guerrillas, who talk about the hostages' departure in good humour, have no idea that they've just taken part in one of the Farc's biggest ever setbacks.

The footage, filmed on a digital camera by a guerrilla, covers the whole rescue operation. As the first helicopter arrives, members of the Colombian Special Forces, disguised as the Red Cross, disembark. A second helicopter hovers above at the point where the hostages are exchanged. It was presented as a spare transporter for the hostages in case of emergency, when in reality it was full of Colombian soldiers ready to intervene (0.43'). The two sides then meet, and the guerrillas agree to be interviewed by fake Telesur journalists (2.37'). And finally, Betancourt's helicopter flies away.

At the end of the video, the guerrilla says "the comrades have gone man". Another Farc responds: "you know what he said to me, the guy from the Red Cross? He said 'take this as a little present' [the pack of beers left by the fake aid workers]. Goodbye comrades!"

See the version of the release that's we've seen until now.

Unedited images of Ingrid Betancourt's rescue

Sophie Team Observers — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:01:41 +0200

This unseen footage of Ingrid Betancourt's rescue has just been released by a Colombian television channel, a month after she was released. The document, now available on YouTube, contains over an hour of footage.

The footage has been divided into four parts. The first is an overview of the operation.

The second part shows the preparation and rehearsals that went into "Operation Jaque" (checkmate in Spanish).

The third part was shot in the rescue helicopter just minutes before the disguised rescuers were to attempt to capture the prisoners.

The fourth part shows her release. After tricking the Colombian militants, the rescuers tell the hostages that they're free. Here's their reaction.

Ingrid's liberation seen from Bogota: "The whole room was cheering"

Sophie Team Observers — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:47:08 +0200

Update (07/07/08): Below, a video released by the Colombian army on Friday which has caused controversy.

When the Colombian authorities announced that Ingrid Betancourt had been freed, one of our Observers was travelling through Bogota airport. He tells us about the wave of emotion that followed the news as it spread through the crowds.

Statement from the father of one of the FARC hostages

Julien — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:58:15 +0100

Will they stay or will they go? While everyone eagerly awaits the liberation of Clara Rojas, her son Emmanuel and the former lawmaker Consuelo González Pérdomo, our Observers report on the atmosphere in Colombia. The father of hostage Ismael Márquez hopes that the release of some of the prisoners will speed up the process for his son, who’s been held captive since 1999. Meanwhile, Ingrid Betancourt's stepson reminds us that as the FARC’s most high-profile hostage, she will be the last to leave.

Finally, proof of life

Julien — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:50:00 +0100

By Team Observers

The Colombian government has just issued the first images of the French-Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt since 2003. For her distraught family, the images are proof that Betancourt, who was captured by FARC rebels in Feb. 2003, is still alive. The Colombian government said the video was taken from three FARC guerillas captured by the army. For more information go to France 24.