MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Colombian forces liberate two top police forces help as hostages for 12 years

President Alvaro Uribe made the announcement during a televised press conference Sunday

The Colombian military on Sunday rescued Gen. Luis Mendieta and Col. Enrique Murillo, two top national police officers held by the FARC guerrillas for nearly 12 years, President Alvaro Uribe announced.

Uribe interrupted a televised press conference in the town of Quibido to answer a call from Gen. Oscar Gonzalez to immediately announce that the two hostages were in the hands of Colombia's military.

“May I allow myself to communicate to the Colombian people, from Quibdo, some great news: our joint military forces just rescued General Mendieta and Colonel Murillo,” the president said.

“They are in combat right now in the jungles of Guaviare in order to rescue them unharmed,” he said. “Both are in the hands of our armed forces,” he said.

A police spokesman said the military operation took place in eastern Colombia in Guaviare province, and that the two rescued hostages are safe. The spokesman could not say when they will be flown out of the zone.

Mendieta and Murillo were both taken prisoner by the FARC in jungle town of Mitu.

Mendieta was a national police colonel when captured by the FARC and was promoted by the agency during his time in captivity. He was the highest-ranking officer held by the rebels. According to Colombia's El Espectador Newspaper, Mendieta celebrated his 53rd birthday on Sunday-

FARC captured the two top police officers on November first 1998 during an incursion to the city of Mitú, in the border state with Brazil of Vaupés. The bloody incursion left 43 people killed among military, police and civilians, 47 wounded and 61 were taking into hostage.

President Alvaro Uribe made the announcement during a televised press conference Sunday