National Geographic Documentaries

Colombia Hostage Rescue (2009x7)

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Uncover the strategy and details behind Operación Jaque – the masterwork in a series of Colombian intelligence endeavours and military operations aimed at suppressing powerful guerrilla militia, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Through a series of ploys, Colombian officials tricked FARC leaders into releasing 15 politically significant hostages, including Colombian presidential-hopeful Ingrid Betancourt. Approximately 700 FARC hostages are still being held. Testimonies from high-tier military leaders, the intelligence agents who developed the operation, helicopter hostage rescuers, hostages and captured FARC members unravel this web of espionage. While Colombia's President and Defence Minister received accolades from around the world following the liberation, the hostage rescue has not been without controversy. Allegations of illegally using the International Red Cross emblem, media organisation logos and the filtering of the operation's video to Colombia's main TV network have tarnished the operation's successful tactics.