ransom
. The move comes just months after the Farc killed four hostages they'd held for more than 12 years, which prompted massive protests. Here's Jeremy McDermott.
The Farc pledged to not only release the remaining political hostages they hold, but to halt their long-term policy of kidnap for ransom - one of their principal sources of income. The announcement is a direct response to government calls to the rebels to halt their involvement in kidnapping as a
precondition
to peace talks. The new Farc commander in chief Rodrigo Londono, better known by his rebel alias of Timochenko who
took over
leadership in November last year after his predecessor was killed in combat, has made what
amounts to
a significant concession, hoping to
open the doors to
dialogue.
A suicide car bombing at a church in the Nigerian city of Jos has sparked
reprisals
by angry Christian youths. Three people were killed and nearly 40 wounded in the initial attack outside the church during a morning service. Mark Lobel reports.
Eyewitnesses said the car carrying the bombs hit and killed a woman inside the Christian compound as it sped towards the church. The explosives were then
detonated
, and pieces of the blue Volkswagen tore into the church, killing a parent and their 18-month-old child. Around 50 worshippers who were injured in the blast were taken to hospital. A group of young Christians then carried out apparent reprisal attacks. Reporters at the scene say at least two Muslims were killed and shops were