Top 5 signs of a weakening FARC in Colombia

In a historic shift, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) says it will no longer use kidnapping as a tool for political and financial gain. The shift comes after three years of government success in weakening the group. Here are five of the defining moments.

5. Rescue of Ingrid Betancourt, other top hostages

The rescue of high-profile French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, along with 14 other top hostages who the FARC had held in jungle camps for years, was a major coup for the Colombian government in July 2008.

The military rescued the hostages, which included three Americans, in a high-risk operation made successful by the infiltration of the highest levels of the FARC.

Many analysts said the group would never recover from the blow. (President Santos was defense minister at the time.)

5 of 5
You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.