Upon Leaving Colombia, McCain Hears About Rescued Hostages

From CBS News' John Bentley:

(MEXICO CITY) John McCain announced the rescue of three American hostages in Colombia today, just hours after he left the country.

“I just finished a phone conversation with President Uribe and he told me some of the details of the rescue – dramatic rescue of 15 people who were held hostage,” McCain told reporters on his campaign plane. “He says that they’re in good condition.”

McCain was told about the rescue operation last night during a meeting with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, but didn’t hear if it was successful until just before takeoff today. One of his aides saw the story move across the Reuters wire, and President Uribe called McCain mid-flight a couple of hours later.

“I congratulate President Uribe, the military of the nation of Colombia,” McCain said. “This is great news and now we will renew our efforts to free all of the others, innocent people who are unlawfully being held hostage.”

The hostages were being held by FARC, a rebel faction in Colombia, since 2002 and included Ingrid Betancourt, who was kidnapped while running for president of Colombia, the three U.S. hostages as well as 11 Colombian police and soldiers.

McCain denied his trip there had anything to do with the timing of the rescue operation. “These kinds of operations require weeks and months of planning and work,” he said. “I’m sure that had no connection with our visit.”