Colombian television has broadcast footage of ten soldiers and police officers who have been held captive by the FARC guerrilla movement for the past 11 years. The chained and emaciated hostages spoke to their families and begged to be released.

The footage was found on a FARC courier who was captured by the Colombian army. Footage of eight other prisoners surfaced one week ago. It is thought the videos are part of an attempt by the FARC to step up pressure on the Colombian government.

All of the soldiers and police officers on the videos belong to a group of 24 prominent hostages whom the FARC wants to exchange for 500 of its members who are currently behind bars. Negotiations between the rebels and President Alvaro Uribe's government are currently deadlocked.