The made-for-television rescue of three U.S. defense contractors on July 2 meant two things to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Americans Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell were safe after more than five years in captivity in the Colombian jungle — and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) members Alexander Farfan Suarez, alias “Enrique Gafas,” and Gerardo Antonio Aguilar Ramirez, alias “Cesar,” were safely in captivity.
Both were indicted in the District last September on charges of conspiracy to provide support to a foreign terrorist organization and hostage taking. The United States is seeking their extradition, and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has signaled his willingness to fast-track the request. The indictment, unsealed in February, names 11 members of FARC. With the capture of Suarez and Ramirez, 10 of those named in the indictment are in Colombian custody.
