This screenshot of Venezuelan TV Chanel TELESUR shows Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos announcing release of Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other FARC hostages, 2 July 2008

Colombian authorities say three American hostages and French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt have been rescued from leftist FARC rebels, who have been holding them for several years in secret jungle camps.

A total of 11 other hostages, among them soldiers, also were reported freed during the military operation in the eastern part of the country.

Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos made the announcement at a news conference Wednesday.

Betancourt was kidnapped in 2002 while campaigning for the Colombian presidency. The three Americans, who were defense contractors, were abducted the following year when their plane crashed in the Colombian jungle during a counter-narcotics mission.

France, which had made securing Betancourt's release a priority, sent a humanitarian mission to Colombia after reports that she was gravely ill. FARC leaders denied access to her. Concerns about her health were raised after video was released showing her looking gaunt and depressed.

Betancourt's son reacted to word of his mother's release as "the most beautiful news" of his life.

Several other hostages were freed earlier this year following mediation by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The United States, Colombia and European Union have designated the FARC as a terrorist organization. The FARC is believed to hold about 700 people hostage in its jungle camps.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, and Reuters.