WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- Three U.S. defense contractors who spent more than five years as hostages in Colombia will receive an American government honor, officials say.

LONDON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- One of three U.S. contractors held hostage in a Colombian jungle says the behavior of fellow hostage Ingrid Betancourt did not match her image.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The recent rescue of three U.S. private military contractors, held for more than five years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, highlights one of the perils of the industry -- they don't get the same legal protections as regular military combatants.

SAN ANTONIO, July 11 (UPI) -- The three American contractors rescued from the Colombian jungle cited gruesome living conditions but found missing their families hardest to take.

BOGOTA, July 9 (UPI) -- The United States will ask Colombia to extradite two men detained in the mission that freed 15 hostages, including three Americans, Colombian officials said.

SAN ANTONIO , July 5 (UPI) -- Three U.S. contractors released this week after five years as hostages of left-wing guerrillas in Colombia said Friday they are "overwhelmed with emotion."

BOGOTA, July 3 (UPI) -- Freed Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt Thursday said the leftist rebels who held her for six years should engage in peace talks.

BOGOTA, July 2 (UPI) -- A former Colombian presidential candidate and three U.S. citizens were among 15 hostages rescued Wednesday from leftist rebels in Colombia.

CARACAS, Venezuela, April 27 (UPI) -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said he has persuaded Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to intervene to help secure the release of three U.S. hostages.