SOUTHCOM Scores Again

Do we give SOUHCOM too much credit? It has been suggested by an anonymous emailer that we do, but when news like this happens it only reinforces why we believe SOUTHCOM is doing an excellent job.

Three American hostages rescued from leftist guerrillas in Colombia were back in the United States Wednesday, more than five years after their plane went down in rebel-held jungle.

They returned to the U.S. late Wednesday, as their plane landed at Lackland Air Force Base shortly after 11 p.m. All appeared well as they exited the Air Force C-17 without fanfare. The men were flown by choppers to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where they were expected to undergo tests and be reunited with their families.

The best analysis can be found at the Counterterrorism Blog. Essentially, this is what I would call five really good reads on how to put this into context and consider the details.

Colombia Rescues Ingrid Betancourt and Three US Hostages By Jonathan Winer

FARC is FARC'd: Assessing the Hostage Rescue By Aaron Mannes

Details on Colombia Hostage Operation Right Out of Spy Thriller By Jonathan Winer

The Importance of the Colombian Rescue Mission By Douglas Farah

Questions About the Rescue in Colombia By Aaron Mannes

As for whoever has been sending the anonymous email complaining we give SOUTHCOM too much credit, we will make a deal. When they stop making us look smarter for constantly pointing out how SOUTHCOM is taking smart strategic approaches fighting 21st century conflicts with a 21st century style, we will stop giving them credit. Until then, pay attention, because this is one command with lessons worth learning.

Well done everyone, and welcome home to Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell.