Colombian FARC rebels executed these four military hostages during a botched mission to free them.<br/> They had been held hostage for over a decade.<br/> The rebels, which have a policy of killing hostages if troops approach their camps, shot three of the captives in the head and the fourth in the back, the country's president said.<br/> He condemned the killings which happened after a firefight between soldiers and rebels.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT JUAN MANUEL SANTOS SAYING (Spanish):<br/> "This is an atrocious crime that deserves the country's and the world's condemnation. It is once again a demonstration of the brutality and cruelty with which this narcoterrorist group, the FARC, operates."<br/> A fifth hostage, police sergeant, Luis Erazo, managed to escape and was found alive by the military on Saturday.<br/> Colombia's president has said it is nearing the final phase of an almost 50 year war and was willing to talk peace if the guerillas were serious.<br/> Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters
