Ingrid Betancourt was savouring freedom last night after Colombia's security forces duped guerrillas into releasing her and 14 other hostages from a secret camp deep in the jungle.
A daring military operation ended the French-Colombian politician's six-year ordeal as a high-profile bargaining chip and dealt a devastating blow to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
Without a shot being fired military spies tricked the Marxist rebels into handing over their most valuable captives to military helicopters flown by pilots posing as aid workers.
"Thank you for your impeccable operation," a thin but radiant Betancourt told military commanders after being flown to the capital, Bogota. "The operation was perfect."
Composed and eloquent despite the day's emotions and drama, the former presidential candidate added another twist when she said she still hoped "to serve Colombia as president".
Dressed in a camouflage jacket and hat, the 46-year-old stepped off an air force plane into the arms of her mother, Yolanda Pulecio, who had waged a tireless campaign for her freedom.