Former IDF Commanders Trained The Colombian Security Forces Who Freed Ingrid Betancourt

Former IDF officers and commanders trained the Colombian security forces who set Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages free on Wednesday. Following her release Betancourt compared the Colombian military operation to that of the Israeli army. While there has been no official response from the Colombian Authorities or Israel on the issue, it is a well known fact that former IDF generals are training Colombian security forces. 

Betancourt, held hostage by the Farc rebels in Colombia since 2002 was set free on Wednesday by the Colombian security forces. The French government has treated the affair as a high priority and according to reports the developments came after French President Nicolas Sarkozy''s government exerted pressure and  intervened in the matter.

Speaking after Betancourt's release, Sarkozy declared,''I want to conclude with a mssage to Gilad Schalit and his parents. We have not forgotten. France is always ready to enlist in the battle for a man held unjustly."' 

On hearing of the news of his mother's release, Betancourt's  son Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt declared it as “the best day in my life.” 

Along with Betancourt three American and 11 members of the Colombian security forces who were also held hostage, were set free. Betancourt who is reportedly suffering from bad health, was considered a high profile hostage by the rebels who held her captive waiting to use her as a bargaining chip.

The Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said no one was hurt in the rescue operation that took place in the southern province of Guaviare. Betancourt, a severe critic of Farc, was kidnapped along with her aide Clara Rojas while campaigning in a region controlled by Farc. Her father was a diplomat who died shortly after Betancourt was kidnapped. Betancourt married a French diplomat, the couple had two children before they divorced. Betancourt  returned to Colombia in 1989. 

07/02/08

Margot Dudkevitch