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.

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 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.

BOGOTA, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates discussed a humanitarian agreement with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Thursday in Colombia for three American hostages.

BOGOTA, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Three U.S. defense contractors have been held captive by Colombia's leading leftist rebel group for four years as of Tuesday.

BOGOTA, June 28 (UPI) -- Colombia's leftist rebels offered to swap three American kidnap victims for two of their leaders being detained in the United States.