Colombian soldier released after 12 years

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC rebels have released a soldier they'd been holding for more than 12 years.

Sergeant Pablo Emilio Moncayo was captured in December 1997. A Red Cross mission flew into Colombia's jungles to pick him up. His release is the SECOND this week by FARC rebels.

The group was once a powerful rebel force but lately has been weakened by a US-backed war on Colombia's guerrillas and cocaine traffickers.

The FARC still have in captivity 22 police and soldiers. These releases have reopened discussions about a possible broader agreement to negotiate and exchange jailed rebels for kidnapped troops.

Colombian soldier Pablo Emilio Moncayo (C) is greeted by his father Gustavo Moncayo and mother Estella upon his arrival in Florencia March 30, 2010. REUTERS/John Vizcaino