Colombian FARC rebels executed these four military hostages during a botched mission to free them.
They had been held hostage for over a decade.
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.
He condemned the killings which happened after a firefight between soldiers and rebels.
(SOUNDBITE) COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT JUAN MANUEL SANTOS SAYING (Spanish):
"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."
A fifth hostage, police sergeant, Luis Erazo, managed to escape and was found alive by the military on Saturday.
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.
Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters
