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.

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.