Operation to free hostages begins

VILLAVICENCIO, Colombia (CNN) - Two helicopters left Venezuela Friday afternoon in the first leg of an operation that could free three hostages from the jungles of Colombia.

President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela organized the operation to free hostages who have endured several years of captivity. Chavez reached a deal with their captors, the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, the Spanish acronym by which the rebel group is known.

Chavez wore an olive drab military uniform and red beret as he watched the helicopters take off on their journey to Colombia. The helicopters carried the symbol of the International Committee of the Red Cross.