Marxist rebels of the ELN in Colombia released a Dutch hostage they had taken in January, according to the Red Cross.

The hostage whose identity is yet unknown and whose kidnapping had been kept a closely guarded secret was delivered to Red Cross officials in a rural area of Northeastern province Norte de Santander, where the marxists are extremely active.

The ELN is around 1,500 strong, while it is the second largest rebel group in the country after the well-known FARC.