Íngrid Betancourt, a prominent Colombian politician and former senator, was abducted by FARC in 2002 while campaigning for the presidency. Her kidnapping drew widespread condemnation and prompted an international outcry for her release. Over the years, Betancourt's plight became a symbol of the broader issues surrounding the Colombian conflict, which has seen thousands of people kidnapped by guerrilla groups and paramilitary forces. This incident prompted various sectors of Colombian society, including government officials and humanitarian organizations, to demand action and support from the international community for peace efforts in Colombia.

In July 2008, the Colombian military executed Operation Jaque, a meticulously planned rescue mission that successfully recovered Betancourt along with 14 other hostages, including three American contractors. The operation involved deception tactics to convince FARC that a group of individuals were part of a humanitarian mission, allowing them to enter FARC's territory without detection. This dramatic rescue was hailed as a major triumph for the Colombian government and military, illustrating their commitment to combating FARC and rescuing kidnapped citizens.

Betancourt's release sparked celebrations across Colombia and attracted international media attention. Her return was not just a personal victory but represented a significant turn in the Colombian conflict, as it demonstrated the increased capability of the Colombian military to take action against guerrilla fighters. The event further fueled discussions surrounding peace negotiations, potential disarmament of FARC, and the overall weakening of the group's criminal activities in Colombia.