Colombians Kidnap Bird-Watching Briton
BOGOTA, Colombia — Leftist rebels kidnaped a British Embassy staff member while he was bird-watching in western Colombia, authorities said Saturday.
Staff Sgt. Timothy Cowley, an aide to the embassy’s defense attache, was kidnaped Aug. 12, said Britain’s Foreign Office in London.
Gen. Camilo Jose Zuniga, commander of Colombia’s armed forces, said there were unconfirmed reports that the rebels were members of the Jaime Bateman Canon Front. The group is believed to be no more than 250 strong.
Cowley reportedly was abducted on a road 100 miles west of Bogota. The kidnaping was kept quiet while Colombian officials negotiated for Cowley’s release. Britain’s Foreign Office said it would not pay ransom.
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