Roundup: Colombian hostage release mission likely to go on Thursday BOGOTA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A mission to pick up hostages from amajor rebel group looks set for early Thursday after the Colombiangovernment gave permission to neighboring Venezuela to go ahead with rescue efforts.

VILLAVICENCIO, Colombia (AP) -- Two helicopters sent by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez landed in Colombia Friday on a delicate mission to pluck three hostages from the rebel-held jungle. "The operation has begun.

Two helicopters sent by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez landed in Colombia Friday on a delicate mission to pluck three hostages from the rebel-held jungle. "The operation has begun.

Colombian officials released on Friday newly obtained videos of rebel-held hostages, among them three U.S. defense contractors and a former presidential candidate - the first images in years providing evidence the captives may be alive.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Exploratory peace talks between the Colombian government and the country's second-largest Marxist guerrilla group ended on Monday with no agreement other than to meet again in April.