Suspected FARC Members Free 22 Oil Workers Taken Hostage Monday

Colombian Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera announced Tuesday that 22 of the 23 oil workers abducted by armed men Monday have been rescued. Authorities believe the kidnapping suspects are members of the FARC guerrilla group.

"It's confirmed, 22 of the 23 are free and are in a safe place. We're now sending helicopters to the region to pick them up,” Rivera told La FM Radio.

Colombian armed forces began searching for the men shortly after their kidnapping was reported around 4 p.m. The men, who are all Colombian nationals, were working in Vichada province for Canada-based Talisman Energy. One of the workers escaped and gave authorities information on where the other men were being held. The suspects released the other hostages as soldiers closed in on their location. No other details on the one remaining hostage were released.

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