The rescue mission came as Senator John McCain was in Colombia on his first Latin American visit since wrapping up the Republican presidential nomination. McCain later revealed Colombian President Uribe had briefed him on the plans to free the hostages. Earlier in the day, McCain called for maintaining US aid to Colombia and Mexico.

Sen. John McCain: “I would like to see our continued assistance to countries like Colombia and Mexico. We have just reached an agreement with Mexico to try to do what is best for America, and that would be to stem the flow of cocaine.”

McCain arrived in Mexico last night, where he concludes his three-day trip. Meanwhile, McCain has ordered a new shake-up of his campaign team. On Wednesday, McCain demoted campaign manager Rick Davis in favor of political adviser Steve Schmidt. Schmidt becomes the third person in the last year to manage McCain’s presidential bid. Schmidt directed California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s reelection campaign and was a top aide to Vice President Cheney.