Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, along with fourteen other hostages, has been freed by your friendly neighborhood Farc after six years in captivity:

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who had made her rescue a priority, said he was very happy. Her children, who spoke of their joy, are to fly to meet her.

The Farc has been fighting to overthrow the Colombian government for 40 years.

Colombian Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos said no-one had been hurt in Wednesday’s operation in the southern province of Guaviare and that the 15 hostages were in relatively good health.

The release is seen as a sign of the Farc’s power contunuing to slip away after the death of their leader, Manuel Marulanda. Cheer up, Farcers. Friday’ll be here before you know it.

Colombia hostage Betancourt freed [BBC]