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| Latin America |
| Colombians hunt for missing Americans |
| 2003-02-24 |
| Military officials in Colombia say fierce fighting is taking place with left-wing rebels who are holding three US Government employees hostage. A Colombian army officer said that, according to intelligence reports, soldiers were closing in on the guerrilla group holding the men. US President George Bush is sending 150 extra troops to Colombia to help the search operation. Colombia's largest left-wing rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), said on Saturday it had the Americans, accusing them of being CIA agents. Washington has denied the men were CIA agents, and said they were contractors for the defence department. Colombian politicians on Sunday expressed concern at Mr Bush's decision to send in US troops. "This is not Afghanistan, this is not Iraq, this is not Vietnam," said Congressman Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla. "If Americans get more deeply involved, it's going to get worse." Man knows his geography; not sure how much worse things could get... There are several hundred US military personnel in Colombia, including some special forces, but they are not allowed to take part in combat. The US has spent $2bn in recent years to help Colombia tackle its illegal drugs trade, and recently lifted restrictions stopping the use of that aid against the guerrillas. This is the first time that US Government employees have been captured during Colombia's four decades of civil war. The Colombian Government has offered a $345,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the missing men who have not been identified. |
| Posted by:Bulldog |
| #1 One question: Was "rescue missions" covered in their contract? |
| Posted by: mojo 2003-02-24 11:16:52 |