The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for Colombia, saying that Americans continue to be victims of threats, kidnappings and other criminal acts.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the State Department said that terrorist groups, such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, and the National Liberation Army (ELN), continue to kidnap civilians for ransom or as political bargaining chips.
It noted that at least five Americans were kidnapped in 2004, and at least one in 2005. The State Department also said FARC has held three American contractors hostage since February 2003.
The State Department is urging U.S. citizens traveling to Colombia to not use bus transportation, and to avoid traveling by road outside of urban areas at night.