The only FARC hostage to survive an army offensive on Saturday called the guerrillas “shameless liars” for killing his fellow prisoners after promising them freedom.
Sergeant Luis Alberto Erazo Maya, who was held captive by guerrilla group FARC for more than 12 years, told Caracol Radio the five hostages were told just days before the incident that if a shoot-out with the army took place they should stay put. If they did so they would be returned “safe and healthy” to their families, the guerrillas promised.
Erazo recounted how he forgot this advice when gunfire erupted around him as he was folding towels at the FARC base on Saturday, and instead ran into the dense jungle undergrowth. He was pursued by armed guerrillas who threw grenades towards him, injuring his face and neck.
The four remaining hostages were shot dead by the FARC as police approached their hide-out in the southern jungle department of Caqueta — the culmination of a 45-day campaign by the army to locate the captives.
The government said Monday that troops were attempting to locate the prisoners, not launch a rescue attempt, reported Reuters.
