View source for Operation Jaque

{{Short description|Military operation}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict    = Operation Jaque
| image       = {{Location map many | Colombia
| width = 300
| float = centre
| label = ''Jaque''
   | pos = left
   | marksize = 8
   | lat_deg = 2.296422
   | lon_deg = -72.049128
}}
| caption     = 
| partof      = [[Colombian armed conflict (1964–present)]]
| date        = 2 July 2008
| place       = [[Rainforest]]s of [[Department of Guaviare|Guaviare]], [[Colombia]]
| result      = Colombian victory
* 15 hostages successfully rescued without any shots fired.
| notes       = 
| objective   = Captives of the guerrilla organization [[FARC]]
| territory   = 
| combatant1  = [[Image:Flag of Colombia.svg|26px]] [[Colombia]]
| combatant2  = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the FARC-EP.svg}} [[FARC]]
| commander1  = [[Image:Flag of Colombia.svg|26px]] Gen. [[Freddy Padilla de León]]
| commander2  = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the FARC-EP.svg}} [[Gerardo Aguilar Ramírez]], aka "César"
| units1      = [[File:Flag of the Colombian Army.svg|border|22px]] [[National Army of Colombia|Colombian Army]]|Colombia
| size        = 23px}
| units2      = unknown
| strength1   = 4 air crew<br>8 commandos<br>2 helicopters
| strength2   = 60 guerrillas
| casualties1 = none
| casualties2 = 2 guerrilleros captured
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Colombian conflict|state=collapsed}}
}}

'''Operation Jaque''' ({{langx|es|Operación Jaque}}) was a [[Colombian military]] operation that resulted in the successful rescue of 15 hostages, including former Colombian presidential candidate [[Íngrid Betancourt]]. The hostages had been held by the [[Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia]] (FARC). The operation took place on 2 July 2008, along the [[Apaporis River]] in the [[Departments of Colombia|department]] of [[Guaviare Department|Guaviare]].<ref name=TIME>{{cite news |first=Tim |last=Padgett |title=Colombia's Stunning Hostage Rescue |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1819862,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703195648/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1819862,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2008 |publisher=TIME |date=2 July 2008|access-date=2 July 2008}}</ref>

The other hostages freed were [[Marc Gonsalves]], [[Thomas Howes (hostage)|Thomas Howes]], and [[Keith Stansell]], three American military contractors employed by [[Northrop Grumman]]<ref name=CNN>{{cite news |title= Betancourt, U.S. contractors rescued from FARC |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/02/betancourt.colombia/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=2 July 2008|access-date=2 July 2008}}</ref> and 11 Colombian military and police.<ref>{{cite news |title=Betancourt, 14 others freed by Colombian forces |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1414668.php/Betancourt_14_others_freed_by_Colombian_forces__3rd_Lead_ |publisher=Monsters and Critics |date=2 July 2008 |access-date=2 July 2008|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710114339/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1414668.php/Betancourt_14_others_freed_by_Colombian_forces__3rd_Lead_ |archive-date=10 July 2008}}</ref> Two FARC members were arrested.

==Abduction==
The hostages were abducted in February 2003.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ex-captive: U.S. hostages could die in rescue |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-05-19-pinchao_N.htm |work=USA Today |date=2007-05-19 }}</ref>

==Operation details==
[[File:Republic of Colombia - Guaviare.png|thumb|upright=.9|The [[Guaviare Department]] highlighted in red, was the area of operations.]]
The intelligence gathering for the operation began long before it was actually carried out; according to one American official, Colombia had managed to place a [[Mole (espionage)|mole]] within the FARC itself one year, if not more, before the operation.<ref name=NYT>[[#nytimes|Romero; New York Times 2008-07-04]], p. 1</ref> According to a colonel involved in the operation, Colombia had located the hostages roughly four months before the rescue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Comment nous avons libéré les otages |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/lefigaromagazine/2008/07/04/01006-20080704ARTWWW00429-comment-nous-avons-libere-les-otages.php |work=Le Figaro Magazine |trans-title=How We Freed the hostages|language=fr |date=4 July 2008 |access-date=5 July 2008}}</ref>

Between this time and the actual mission, Colombian forces spotted five of the hostages while they were bathing in the [[Apaporis River]] (including the three Americans), leading them to plant motion-sensors and video cameras along the waterway. At one point a FARC guerilla accidentally kicked a device while walking in the jungle to relieve himself; however, the surveillance operation's cover was not blown.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.luisvillamarin.com/obras/conflicto-colombiano/1/54-operacion-jaque.html |title=Operacion Jaque - Como se planeo la operacion jaque, detalles y por menores de la operacion |access-date=9 August 2010|archive-date=2 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902055333/http://www.luisvillamarin.com/obras/conflicto-colombiano/1/54-operacion-jaque.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Sunday_Times>{{cite news |first=Tony |last=Allen-Mills |title=Daring sting freed Colombian jungle hostages |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4276344.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908043137/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4276344.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 8, 2008 |publisher=The Sunday Times |date=6 July 2008 |access-date=6 July 2008 | location=London}}</ref>

The idea of tricking the FARC into regrouping the hostages was seriously considered in late May. The following month, General [[Freddy Padilla de León]] brought the rescue plan to his civilian superiors. Defense Minister [[Juan Manuel Santos]] is said to have agreed quickly to the plan; President [[Álvaro Uribe]], after weighing the possible diplomatic consequences, also approved it.<ref name=Sunday_Times/>

Santos said the FARC rebels had been tricked into handing over the hostages by soldiers posing as members of a fictitious non-government organisation that supposedly would fly the captives to a camp to meet rebel leader [[Alfonso Cano]];<ref name=Betancourt_freed_bbc>{{cite news |title= Colombia hostage Betancourt freed |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7486552.stm|publisher=BBC |date=3 July 2008 |access-date=3 July 2008}}</ref> to prepare for the role, they took acting classes for a week and a half. Two soldiers posed as fellow guerilla fighters and four troops dressed as aid workers.<ref name=NYT/> Several aspects of the mission were apparently designed to mimic previous [[Operation Emmanuel|Venezuelan hostage transfers]], including the actual composition of the group and the type and markings of the helicopters used.<ref>[[#nytimes|Romero; New York Times 2008-07-04]], p. 3</ref>

According to Betancourt, the hostages were moved early on the morning of July 2 across the river to a landing zone where they were told by their captors that they were going to be moved to a different location. Two [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]] helicopters came to the landing area in Guaviare, where one, carrying Colombian agents wearing [[Che Guevara]] T-shirts, landed to pick up the hostages.<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Luhnow |author2=Córdoba, José de |title=How 'Operation Check-Mate' Worked |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121504939072825309?mod=googlenews_wsj |publisher=Wall Street Journal |date=3 July 2008|access-date=3 July 2008}}</ref> In total, the helicopter spent 22 minutes on the ground, during which time the hostages were handcuffed and loaded aboard; the pilot and copilot communicated with fellow security personnel in code.<ref>{{cite news |title=Old-fashioned fake-out results in freedom for hostages |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/03/hostage.drama/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=3 July 2008|access-date=3 July 2008}}</ref>

The local FARC commander, known as [[Gerardo Aguilar Ramírez|"César"]] and an additional rebel boarded the helicopters along with the hostages. They were persuaded {{clarify|date=December 2022}} to hand over their pistols and were subdued in the air by Colombian forces.<ref name=Betancourt_freed_bbc/><ref>{{cite news |title=Colombia tricks rebels into freeing hostages |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25499926 |publisher=NBC News |date=3 July 2008 |access-date=3 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2008/07/03/internacional/1215039406.html |title=Somos el Ejército Nacional. Ustedes están libres | publisher=El Mundo |language=es |date=3 July 2008 |access-date=3 July 2008}}</ref> Betancourt later told a press conference she at first had had no idea she was being rescued until she saw her captor naked {{why|date=December 2022}} and blindfolded on the floor of the aircraft.<ref name=Betancourt_freed_bbc /> She and the others were told: ''"Somos el Ejército Nacional. ¡Ustedes están en libertad!"'' ''(We are the national army. You are free.)''<ref>{{cite news |first=Gabriel |last=Morales |title=Somos el Ejército Nacional. Ustedes están libres.}}</ref>

In case of failure, Colombia had prepared an armada of 39 helicopters to ferry 2000 troops plus U.S. advisors.<ref name="LATimes"/> They would have been brought within a half-mile of the original landing zone in under 15 minutes.<ref name="LATimes">{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Kraul |title=Colombia hostage rescue by deception |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/latinamerica/la-fg-hostagetictoc4-2008jul04,0,7912582.story?page=1&track=rss |work=Los Angeles Times |date=4 July 2008|access-date=5 July 2008}}</ref>

==Aftermath==

Immediately after the hostage rescue ''[[El Espectador]]'' commissioned an [[Ipsos]]-Napoleon Franco poll, which found that President Uribe's popularity had jumped from 73% to 91%, while 79% (previously 69%) of those polled stated that they would vote for him.<ref>{{cite news |title=Popularity of Colombia's Uribe soars after rescue |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN06348039 |publisher=Reuters |date=6 July 2008 |access-date=6 July 2008 | first=Hugh | last=Bronstein}}</ref>

Betancourt, describing operation Jaque, said "I am unaware of a precedent to such a perfect mission. Maybe only the [[Operation Entebbe|Israelis]]...their wonderful commandos may be reminiscent of the mission that took place here."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3563850,00.html |title=Betancourt rescue in Colombia: Israeli connection |publisher= Ynet |date=4 July 2008}}</ref>

Immediately after the hostage rescue, Colombian military forces cornered the rest of FARC's 1st Front, the unit which had held the hostages captive.  Colombian forces have so far elected not to attack the 1st Front, but is instead offering them amnesty if they surrender.<ref>Hirsh, Michael, "A Smarter Way To Fight", ''[[Newsweek]]'', 21 July 2008.</ref>

[[Gerardo Aguilar Ramírez]], known as "Cesar", was sent to the United States in July 2009 where U.S. federal courts put him on trial for trafficking in cocaine and other narcotics during his time in FARC. He was convicted on several trafficking charges and is now serving a 27-year sentence in federal prison.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

==Controversies==
===Alleged foreign involvement===
The United States reportedly provided a transport plane and a medical team for the liberated hostages.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Kraul |title=15 hostages freed as FARC is fooled in cunning operation |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-fg-hostages3-2008jul03,0,2966582.story?page=1 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=3 July 2008 |access-date=3 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Luis Alberto |last=Villamarin Pulido |title=Operacion Jaque |url=http://www.luisvillamarin.com/obras/conflicto-colombiano/1/54-operacion-jaque.html |publisher=Ediciones Luis Villamarin |date=3 July 2008|access-date=3 July 2008|archive-date=2 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902055333/http://www.luisvillamarin.com/obras/conflicto-colombiano/1/54-operacion-jaque.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to ''[[Der Spiegel]]'', Colombian authorities had used American spy satellites to track the location of the hostages since the beginning of 2008.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jens |last=Glüsing |title=Months of Intelligence Work Led to Betancourt's Rescue |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,563619,00.html |publisher=Der Spiegel |date=3 July 2008 |access-date=3 July 2009}}</ref>

Keith Trowbridge (SarDev International), an American [[kidnap]] and [[ransom]] consultant, allegedly provided Colombia with ground reconnaissance and the intelligence that led to the placement of the [[Mole (espionage)|mole]] within [[FARC]].<ref name="NYT"/> It is believed{{who|date=January 2018}} that Trowbridge spearheaded the deadly yet successful rescue of a teenage hostage from the [[FARC]] six kilometers south of [[Medellin]] in 2006, affording him a unique relationship with the Colombia judiciary. Although Colombia acknowledged Trowbridge's help in the Medellín case, they strongly denied his intervention.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

Israeli tracking technology was also, allegedly, used in the rescue. Some reports also highlighted the role of [[Global CST]], a company owned by former Israeli Brigadier Generals [[Israel Ziv]] and [[Yossi Kuperwasser]], which has a US$10 million contract with Colombia to provide security advising and equipment, although Ziv and Kuperwasser declared their role was only general training of armed forces and commented that "We don't want to take credit for something we didn't do", adding that they did not take part in the rescue, calling it "a Colombian [[Operation Entebbe|Entebbe]] operation".<ref>{{cite news |first=Yossi |last=Melman |title=Colombia hostage rescue: the Israeli angle |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/998838.html |work=Haaretz |date=4 July 2008|access-date=4 July 2008 |archive-date=27 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327235415/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/998838.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

According to Colombia's ''[[La W|W Radio]]'', the Colombian military strongly denied that Global CST played any direct role in the operation.<ref name=wradio_no_pagaron>{{cite news|url=http://www.wradio.com.co/nota.asp?id=626591|title=Fuerzas Militares no pagaron por rescate de 15 secuestrados|publisher=[[La W|W Radio]]|language=es|date=4 July 2008|access-date=4 July 2008|archive-date=22 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522070920/http://www.wradio.com.co/nota.asp?id=626591|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos emphasized at a press conference on 4 July, that there was no direct foreign involvement of any kind in the operation. However, he did say that a U.S. surveillance aircraft monitored the situation.<ref name=IHT>{{cite news |title=Colombian video shows hostages joyfully hugging in helicopter during rescue |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/05/america/LA-Colombia-Hostages.php |work=International Herald Tribune |date=5 July 2008 |access-date=5 July 2008}}</ref>

===Allegations of payment===
On 4 July 2008, ''[[Radio Suisse Romande]]'' reported that unnamed "reliable sources" had told it the rescue took place after a payment of US$20 million by the United States.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[Radio Suisse Romande]]|date=4 July 2008|url=http://info.rsr.ch/fr/news/Une_liberation_achetee.html?siteSect=2010&sid=9296405&cKey=1215168451000|language=fr|title=Une libération achetée|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828054924/http://info.rsr.ch/fr/news/Une_liberation_achetee.html?siteSect=2010&sid=9296405&cKey=1215168451000|archive-date=28 August 2008}}</ref> According to ''[[Le Monde]]'', the [[French Foreign Ministry]] denied the payment of any ransom by France.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2008/07/04/ingrid-betancourt-est-attendue-a-paris_1066575_3222.html|title=Ingrid Betancourt à Paris : "Aujourd'hui, je pleure de joie"|work=[[Le Monde]]|language=fr|date=4 July 2008}}</ref>

Frederich Blassel, ''Radio Suisse Romande'' journalist, told Colombia's ''[[La W|W Radio]]'' that, according to his source, the release was not negotiated directly with FARC but with Gerardo Aguilar, alias César, one of the two guerrillas captured during the operation, who would have received the payment of US$20 million. According to Blassel, the two rebels could be given new identities by Spain, France, and Switzerland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wradio.com.co/nota.asp?id=626562|title=Alias César recibió 20 millones de dólares por entregar secuestrados: Radio Suiza|publisher=[[La W|W Radio]]|language=es|date=4 July 2008|access-date=4 July 2008|archive-date=22 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522070912/http://www.wradio.com.co/nota.asp?id=626562|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://actualidad.terra.es/nacional/articulo/periodista-suiza-radio-afirma-pago-2596725.htm|title=Periodista de radio Suiza afirma que se pagó por liberar a los rehenes|publisher=[[Terra Networks|Terra Actualidad]], [[EFE]]|language=es|date=4 July 2008|access-date=4 July 2008|archive-date=6 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706201249/http://actualidad.terra.es/nacional/articulo/periodista-suiza-radio-afirma-pago-2596725.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Minister of Defense Juan Manuel Santos, and Vice President [[Francisco Santos Calderon|Francisco Santos]], in response to these claims, denied any payment. "That information is absolutely false. It has no basis. We don't know where it comes from and why its being said".<ref name=desmintio>{{cite news|url=http://www.lacapital.com.ar/contenidos/2008/07/05/noticia_5090.html|title=Colombia desmintió el pago de un millonario rescate por Betancourt. La Capital|publisher=[[La Capital]]|language=es|date=4 July 2008|access-date=7 July 2008|archive-date=8 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708054321/http://www.lacapital.com.ar/contenidos/2008/07/05/noticia_5090.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The minister of defense also added with a touch of irony that "Actually, it would have been a cheap offer, because we were willing to give up to USD 100 million..." "We would be the first to inform publicly, because it is part of our rewards system policy, and besides, it would speak much worse about the FARC".<ref name=desmintio />

According to Colombia's ''[[El Tiempo (Colombia)|El Tiempo]]'' and ''[[La W|W Radio]]'', General [[Freddy Padilla de León]], commander of the [[Military Forces of Colombia|Colombian armed forces]], denied the existence of any payment by the Colombian government. General Padilla argued that if any payment had been made, it would have been better to make it publicly known, to use it as an incentive and to cause confusion within FARC's ranks.<ref name=wradio_no_pagaron/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/justicia/2008-07-04/no-se-pago-por-rescate-de-secuestrados-afirma-el-comandante-de-las-fuerzas-militares_4361595-1|title=No se pagó por rescate de secuestrados, afirma el comandante de las Fuerzas Militares|work=[[El Tiempo (Colombia)|El Tiempo]]|language=es|date=4 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014203513/http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/justicia/2008-07-04/no-se-pago-por-rescate-de-secuestrados-afirma-el-comandante-de-las-fuerzas-militares_4361595-1|archive-date=14 October 2009}}</ref> [[William Brownfield]], the U.S. ambassador to Colombia, also denied the allegations.<ref>{{cite news |title=US denies ransom payout for hostage release: ambassador |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hrtoMw97SlVA2m-B0SfinVDaE1vg |publisher=Agence France-Presse |date=4 July 2008|access-date=4 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712073016/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hrtoMw97SlVA2m-B0SfinVDaE1vg |archive-date=12 July 2008 }}</ref>

These allegations lost much of its credibility when, in February 2009, Gerardo Aguilar Rodriguez, known as "César", was extradited to US by the Colombian Supreme Court on charges of narcotrafficking and then sentenced to 27 years in jail.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Top FARC Commander Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Import Tons of Cocaine into the United States|url = https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2010/nyfo072210.htm|website = FBI|access-date = 9 January 2016}}</ref> He was charged with exchanging coca for weapons and supplies and with smuggling 1,000&nbsp;kg of coca into the US since 2002. His sentimental partner, Nancy Conde Rubio (alias Doris Adriana), had already been extradited under charges of conspiring to aid and giving material support to terrorist organizations, after being captured in an independent operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/justicia/extradicion-de-cesar-fue-autorizada-porque-lo-acusan-de-enviar-miles-de-kilos-de-coca-a-e-u_4830445-1|title=Extradición de César fue autorizada porque lo acusan de enviar miles de kilos de coca a E.E.U.U.|publisher=[[El Tiempo (Colombia)|El Tiempo]]|language=es|date=21 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112996305|title=Colombia extradites captured guerrilla to US|publisher=[[NPR]]|date=19 September 2009}}</ref>

Former French diplomat Noël Saez and Colombian journalist {{ILL|Gonzalo Guillen|es}} have also claimed that the Colombian government negotiated the hostage release with César in advance.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2009/03/09/01003-20090309ARTFIG00478-noel-saez-les-geoliers-de-betancourt-ont-ete-achetes-.php|title=Noël Saez: Les geôliers de Betancourt ont été achetés |publisher=Le Figaro |access-date= 3 July 2011|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.elespectador.com/impreso/judicial/articulo-281569-un-expresidente-me-entrego-el-libreto-de-operacion-jaque |title=Un expresidente me entregó el 'libreto' de la Operación Jaque |publisher=elespectador.com |access-date=3 July 2011 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707054919/http://www.elespectador.com/impreso/judicial/articulo-281569-un-expresidente-me-entrego-el-libreto-de-operacion-jaque |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Misuse of a Red Cross emblem===
On 15 July 2008, it was reported that according to unpublished photos and video footage viewed by [[CNN]], which the network declined to buy from its source and whose authenticity it could not verify,<ref name=redcross>{{cite news |title=Colombian military used Red Cross emblem in rescue |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/15/colombia.red.cross/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=15 July 2008|access-date=16 July 2008}}</ref> Colombian military intelligence misused an official [[International Red Cross]] emblem during the rescue operation.<ref name=redcross />

According to CNN, the material in question showed one man wearing a bib with the official symbol for the Red Cross shortly before the rescue operation began. CNN also reported that one frame of a heavily edited official video released by Colombian authorities two days after the operation showed a person who seemed to be the same man, wearing what appeared to be part of a Red Cross bib.<ref name=redcross />

According to international legal expert Mark Ellis, misuse of the Red Cross emblem would be a breach of the [[Geneva Conventions]] and might constitute a [[war crime]], because it could possibly endanger the work of official humanitarian workers in the future.<ref name=redcross />

During a national press conference, Colombian President Uribe had asked former hostage [[Ingrid Betancourt]] if she had seen any emblems on the helicopter participating in the rescue mission, which she denied.<ref name=redcross />

According to CNN, the unpublished video footage showed a logo with the words "Mision Internacional Humanitaria" (International Humanitarian Mission), consisting of "a stylized red bird made up of wavy red lines above two curved branches of blue leaves", pasted on the sides of the helicopter. The same logo appeared on the web site for a [[NGO]] of the same name said to be based in [[Barcelona]], Spain, although CNN was unable to contact or verify the existence of the organization.<ref name=redcross />

An official Red Cross spokesman told CNN that "the International Committee of the Red Cross cannot confirm that its logo and/or the Red Cross emblem were used ... the ICRC maintains an ongoing confidential dialogue with the Colombian authorities on a variety of humanitarian issues, including news reports that the Red Cross emblem may have been used in this operation."<ref name=redcross />

CNN's report mentioned that Colombian rebel groups [[Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia|FARC]] and [[National Liberation Army (Colombia)|ELN]] had themselves misused the Red Cross emblem in earlier incidents.<ref name=redcross />

On 16 July, Uribe announced that an internal investigation had found that one of the officers who participated in the operation had individually decided to make unauthorized use of a Red Cross emblem, claiming that he was nervous and feared the presence of armed guerrillas. Uribe said that Juan Manuel Santos had apologized to the [[International Red Cross]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Colombia reconoce que un militar SÍ uso un emblema de la Cruz Roja |url=http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/?p=16023 |publisher=Noticias 24 |language=es |date=16 July 2008|access-date=16 July 2008|archive-date=17 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717121337/http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/?p=16023 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=BBC_rescuer_wore_red_cross>{{cite news |title=Betancourt rescuer wore Red Cross |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7510423.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=16 July 2008|access-date=16 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Colombian president says Red Cross symbol was used in hostage rescue mission |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/16/news/Colombia-Red-Cross.php |work=International Herald Tribune |date=16 July 2008|access-date=16 July 2008}}</ref>

After the Colombian government's declarations, Red Cross spokesperson Yves Heller stated in [[Bogotá]], [[Colombia]] that "parties to the conflict must respect the Red Cross emblem at all times and under all circumstances."<ref name=BBC_rescuer_wore_red_cross/>

In [[Geneva]], Switzerland, Red Cross spokesman Florian Westphal declared that "it was important for us that this clarification was made by the Colombian authorities at the highest level" and said that the international organization accepted the Colombian government's explanation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Colombian Soldier Wore Red Cross Logo in Hostage Rescue  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/world/americas/17colombia.html |work=New York Times |date=17 July 2008 |access-date=17 July 2008}}</ref>

===Unauthorized use of real NGO information===
On 16 July 2007, the Colombian newsweekly ''[[Revista Semana]]'' published an online article stating that the International Humanitarian Mission [[NGO]] didn't exist, arguing that it was created by the Colombian military for the purposes of carrying out the rescue operation, and that its website used information from a real [[Barcelona]]-based organization, [[Global Humanitaria]].<ref name=ongficticia>{{cite news |title=ONG ficticia con la que se engañó a Farc usó registros de una organización verdadera |url=http://www.semana.com/wf_InfoArticulo.aspx?idArt=113631 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201233630/http://www.semana.com/wf_InfoArticulo.aspx?idArt=113631 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2013 |publisher=Revista Semana |language=es |date=16 July 2008 |access-date=17 July 2008 }}</ref>

Semana cited a spokesperson for the Justice Department of [[Catalunya]], Spain, who said that International Humanitarian Mission was never part of Catalunya's central register of legal entities. According to Semana's investigation, the official registry number used by the creators of the fake organization's website had been copied from the site for Global Humanitaria. Cinta Pluma, director of Global Humanitaria, denied having any participation in Operation Jaque or in the establishment of the false NGO, adding that they would consult their legal advisors before taking any action regarding the issue.<ref name=ongficticia />

On 17 July, in an online press release, Global Humanitaria expressed surprise at the unauthorized use of their organization's registry number and website data, stated it  had never participated in any humanitarian procedures involving FARC and hoped to meet with Colombian President Álvaro Uribe to clear up the situation, requesting respect for the organization's work and neutrality.<ref>{{cite news |title=Global Humanitaria niega cualquier tipo de vínculo con la organización Misión Humanitaria Internacional |url=http://www.globalhumanitaria.org/detallenoticias.asp?idn=9162&bck=inicio |publisher=Global Humanitaria |language=es |date=17 July 2008|access-date=17 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705024551/http://www.globalhumanitaria.org/detallenoticias.asp?idn=9162&bck=inicio |archive-date=5 July 2007}}</ref>

==Books about Operation Jaque==

In February 2009 [http://www.luisvillamarin.com/obras/conflicto-colombiano/1/54-operacion-jaque.html '''"Operacion Jaque"''' by Colonel Luis Alberto Villamarin Pulido] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902055333/http://www.luisvillamarin.com/obras/conflicto-colombiano/1/54-operacion-jaque.html |date=2010-09-02 }}) was published. This book is complemented with abundant photographic material and reconstructs step by step the process, planning, implementation and outcome of the strategic operation.
In July 2010 the book was published in electronic format (Amazon Kindle). Since then it has become the most read book about the topic in Kindle.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} It is currently available in its printed edition, and various other electronic formats.

Another book, ''[[Out of Captivity]]'' (2009), has a chapter on Operation Jaque from the perspective of three of the rescued prisoners, Keith Stansell, Marc Gonsalves, and Thomas Howes.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gonsalves |first1=Marc |last2=Stansell |first2=Keith |last3=Howes |first3=Tom |last4=Brozek |first4=Gary |title=Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle |date=February 24, 2009 |publisher=William Morrow |isbn=978-0-06-176952-8 |pages=413–429}}</ref>

==International reactions==
*{{CAN}}: [[David Emerson]], [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Canada)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]], welcomed the action of the government of Colombia resulting in the rescue of 15 hostages, "This is undoubtedly a historic event in Colombia's search for a lasting peace. We share the deep satisfaction and relief of the people of Colombia at the safe return of these hostages to their families."<ref>{{cite news |title=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada - Minister Emerson Welcomes Liberation of Hostages in Colombia |url=http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386357&language=E&docnumber=153 |date=2008-07-05 |access-date=2008-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712084928/http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386357&language=E&docnumber=153 |archive-date=2008-07-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{CHL}}:  Chilean President [[Michelle Bachelet]] stated that "This is a victory for democracy, peace and freedom."<ref name="BBC">BBC News: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7486615.stm Reaction to Betancourt's Release] - Retrieved on 2008-07-03</ref>
*{{ECU}}: Ecuadorian defense minister Javier Ponce stated that the liberation of the 15 hostages was something the world was waiting for, but also lamented the way it happened, saying "It is a pity it happened not as part of a peace process, but as a violent rescue by the Colombian Armed Forces." He claimed it diminishes the chances of a political resolution.<ref>{{cite news |title=Equador lamenta modo como Betancourt foi solta |url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/mundo/ult94u418606.shtml |publisher=Folha de S.Paulo |language=pt |date=2008-07-02 |access-date=2008-07-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Reacciones internacionales, un solo mar de felicitaciones  |url=http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/politica/2008-07-03/reacciones-internacionales-un-solo-mar-de-felicitaciones_4358592-1 |publisher=El Tiempo |language=es |access-date=2008-07-03}}</ref> 
*{{FRA}}: French President [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] spoke by telephone with [[Álvaro Uribe]] on the night before the operation. He later thanked Uribe and gave a live news conference with the children and sister of Íngrid Betancourt on the night of July 2. Immediately after, the family and French Foreign Minister [[Bernard Kouchner]] boarded a French jet for Colombia.<ref>{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Romero |title=15 hostages held by Colombian rebels are rescued |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/03/america/03colombia.php |work=International Herald Tribune |date=2008-07-03 |access-date=2008-07-02}}</ref>  Various French political figures also expressed their relief with the rescue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Soulagement après la libération d'Ingrid Betancourt |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2008/07/03/soulagement-en-france-et-a-l-etranger-apres-la-liberation-d-ingrid-betancourt_1065663_3222.html#ens_id=941502 |work=Le Monde |language=fr |date=2008-07-03 |access-date=2008-07-02}}</ref>  In Paris some drivers honked their horns on the night of the rescue, and a public celebration was scheduled for July 3.<ref name=TIME/>
*{{MEX}}: Mexican President [[Felipe Calderón]] telephoned President of Colombia Álvaro Uribe to congratulate him on the successful operation, hailing the strategy implemented to reinforce legality and order, which strengthens democratic life and social coexistence in Colombia.<ref name="Presidencia de la Republica">Presidencia de la Republica: [http://presidencia.gob.mx/en/press/?contenido=36820 President Calderón Congratulates Colombian Counterpart on Release of FARC Hostages] - Retrieved on 2008-07-03</ref>
*{{USA}}:  U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] praised and thanked Uribe,<ref name="BBC"/> and Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]] said she was delighted with the rescue of the three American hostages.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rice 'delighted' at Colombia hostage rescue |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5igAKPkCRpgdRqscBUIMGIO7Br8-Q |publisher=AFP |date=2008-07-02 |access-date=2008-07-02 |archive-date=2008-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705123644/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5igAKPkCRpgdRqscBUIMGIO7Br8-Q |url-status=dead }}</ref> Republican presidential candidate [[John McCain]], on a trip to Colombia, praised the rescue effort and urged the release of all hostages. Democratic presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] also expressed praise at the rescue.<ref>{{cite news
|title=McCain 'This is great news'
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7486615.stm |publisher=BBC |date=2008-07-03 |access-date=2008-07-03}}</ref>
*{{VEN}}:  Venezuelan President [[Hugo Chávez]] stated that "We are overjoyed at the liberation of those people ... and even happier to learn they were freed without spilling a drop of blood."<ref name="Reuters">Reuters: [https://archive.today/20130201085443/http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKN0345121620080703 Chavez cheers Colombia hostage rescue] - Retrieved on 2008-07-03</ref>

==List of hostages rescued==
[[File:Gonsalves, Stansell, Howes.jpg|thumb|Gonsalves, Stansell and Howes (left to right, center) on July 4, 2008]]
* [[Íngrid Betancourt]]
* [[Marc Gonsalves]]
* [[Thomas Howes (hostage)|Thomas Howes]]
* [[Keith Stansell]]
* Lieutenant Juan Carlos Bermeo ([[National Army of Colombia|Colombian Army]])
* Second Lieutenant Raimundo Malagón (Colombian Army)
* Sergeant José Ricardo Marulanda (Colombian Army)
* Sergeant Erasmo Romero (Colombian Army)
* Corporal William Pérez (Colombian Army)
* Corporal José Miguel Arteaga (Colombian Army)
* Corporal Armando Flórez (Colombian Army)
* Lieutenant Vianey Rodríguez ([[Colombian National Police]])
* Corporal Jhon Jairo Durán (Colombian National Police)
* Corporal Julio Buitrago (Colombian National Police)
* Subintendent Armando Castellanos (Colombian National Police)

==See also==
*[[Operation Emmanuel]]
*[[Chameleon Operation (Colombia)]]
*[[Opération 14 juillet]]
* ''[[Out of Captivity]]'', a book authored by [[Marc Gonsalves]], Keith Stansell, and [[Thomas Howes (hostage)|Thomas Howes]] with the assistance of author [[Gary Brozek]] about their time spent as hostages of [[FARC]] guerrillas until their rescue.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
*{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Romero |author2=Vace, Damien |title=Bold Colombia Rescue Built on Rebels' Disarray |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/04/world/americas/04rescue.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp |work=The New York Times |date=2008-07-04 |access-date=2008-07-04|ref=nytimes}} (requires free registration)

==External links==
* {{in lang|es}} [http://www.defesanet.com.br/docs1/operacion_jaque.pdf Operación Jaque] presentation of the Colombian Defense Ministry
* {{in lang|es}} [http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/politica/2008-07-04/video-de-la-operacion-de-rescate-de-ingrid-betancourt-y-14-secuestrados-fue-divulgado_4360466-1 Video of the rescue]  from the Colombian Defense Ministry
* {{in lang|fr}} [http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2008/07/03/la-liberation-d-ingrid-betancourt-minute-par-minute_1065668_3222.html#ens_id=1065672 Timeline of Events] from ''Le Monde''
* {{in lang|de}} [http://www.stern.de/politik/ausland/:Ingrid-Betancourt-Milit%E4raktion-Fake/626246.html Report on ransom paid] from ''stern.de''
* [http://operationjaque.com Operation Jaque Repository Site] from OperationJaque.com

{{Colombia conflict}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Jaque, Operation}}
[[Category:Colombian conflict]]
[[Category:Military operations involving Colombia]]
[[Category:Operations involving Colombian special forces|Jacque]]
[[Category:FARC]]
[[Category:2008 in Colombia]]
[[Category:Battles and conflicts without fatalities]]
[[Category:Hostage rescue operations]]
[[Category:July 2008 in South America]]