The Colombian intelligence operation which freed Ingrid Betancourt and her fellow prisoners was a huge coup for the country’s President Alvaro Ulribe, who has often been under fire for his refusal to negotiate with the FARC.

He said this successful military operation vindicated his position. He had secured the hostages release without negotiation.

Now Colombia has two more FARC rebels in detention captured during the raid.

Ulribe believes the end of the FARC is now near. Communication is alleged to have broken down within the ranks which allowed this operation to succeed.

Recent deaths of FARC founder Manuel Marulanda and his second in command Raul Reyes mean FARC is now governed by a secretariat led by Alfonso Cano. It continues to hold hundreds of political hostages in jungle camps.

Copyright © 2012 euronews