U.S. Lawmakers Threaten Rebel Retaliation *** BOGOTA, Colombia - Leftist rebels accused by the United States of seizing three Americans have made a "very grave error" and can expect a U.S. response, an American congressman said Thursday. The Americans apparently were captured by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, after their U.S. government plane crashed in rebel territory Feb. 13, U.S. officials have said. They were on an intelligence-gathering mission. The rebels executed a fourth American and Colombian soldier who were also aboard, Colombia's army chief has said.
"I don't think there's any question that this precipitous action by the FARC is going to meet with very strong retaliation," said Rep. Tom Davis, D-Va., a member of a visiting Congressional delegation. "Precisely what happens is being discussed as we speak, but they've made a very grave error."
The State Department declined to say what steps could be taken. "Any questions on the response to the hostage scenario cannot be addressed at this time until the whereabouts of missing crew members is ascertained," said Department spokesman Lou Fintor. ***