This June Discovery en Espanol Takes Viewers Deep into the High Risk Rescue Operation Known as Jaque - in 'El rescate perfecto'

This June Discovery en Espanol Takes Viewers Deep into the High Risk Rescue Operation Known as Jaque - in 'El rescate perfecto'

- A Spellbinding Documentary that Goes Beyond the News Footage of the Day to Vividly Capture a Story of Courage, Ingenuity and Ultimate Triumph -

MIAMI, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- This June and on the eve of the first year anniversary, Discovery en Espanol premieres an extraordinary original production, "El rescate perfecto" which takes an in-depth look at the mission that rescued 15 hostages from the jungles of Colombia, including 3 American military contractors and the former Colombian presidential hopeful Ingrid Betancourt, and brought them to safety. Debuting on Sunday, June 28 at 9:00 PM E/P, this one hour special captures the high tension drama of one of the most harrowing military rescues in recent history (Click here to access the promo and hi-re images http://www.discoveryushprensa.com/rescateperfecto).

Via amazing and true-to-life recreations and firsthand accounts, viewers will be able to experience every single moment of this remarkable operation. This special presents a richly woven timeline that impactfully portrays the full story from beginning to end.

"Our aim was to take viewers into the moment to experience things as insiders. As such, we were extremely thorough. The crew spent hours talking to those who were there, including some of the hostages, high ranking Colombian military, intelligence agents, U.S. officials and even a specialist in international armed conflict, to be able to capture all of the pivotal moments," said Michela Giorelli, Director of Production and Development for Discovery en Espanol.

"El rescate perfecto" brings Operation Jaque to life utilizing meticulous recreations and on-the-ground, in the thick of it, filming in Colombia (including the recreation of the explosive plane crash and eventual capture of the U.S. hostages).

The crew, which encountered many challenges along the way, counted with the full cooperation and participation of the Colombian military and an amazing cast of actors. This commitment to detail culminated in a special that captures all the anguish, doubt and ultimate elation inherent in the story.

The impactful accounts of former detainees Keith Stansell and Marc Gonsalves, as well as William Perez, Ingrid Betancourt's longtime companion in captivity, further enhance the narrative and reveal their dire conditions and how their mental duress and distrust could have threatened the entire mission. In addition, high representatives of both the U.S. and Colombian governments also provide revealing insights into the operation, its meticulous planning, the political tension during the process, and the U.S. role in the mission.

Finally and more strikingly are the testimonials of General Montoya and the members of the undercover rescue team (all trained to play specific roles), brave men and women who exhibited patience and sagacity and who risked their lives. Their viewpoints provide the core perspective of the operation - a rollercoaster ride from trepidation to jubilation.

Some riveting quotes from the documentary:

"Those are scars around my neck from the chains. I am not talking about small chains, large heavy chains," Keith Stansell, U.S. hostage.

"Our first reaction was of considerable caution almost skepticism . . . because of the simplicity of the plan. After all of the incredibly complicated plans that had been developed . . . , here is a plan to put a bunch of people in costume, fly into the FARC camp, and fly out," William Brownfield, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia.

"To us the sound of helicopters meant danger because we knew in the attempt of a rescue the FARC were supposed to kill us all," Marc Gonsalves, U.S. hostage.

"I am an intelligence agent . . . When I arrived at the hanger there were two impeccable white helicopters (camouflaged as relief choppers as shown in the special), the first thing I did was say to my superior - sir this is the Trojan Horse," Colombian Intelligence Officer.

*These quotes are taken from statements made by the parties featured in the documentary.

From the contributing factors on the ground and changing landscape for the FARC that facilitated the mission, the political hatching of the plan, the secret codes and words used to communicate, the training of the operatives, the eventual operation, the palpable fear and doubts of the rescue team, the in-flight scuffle and eventual detention of the guerilla ringleaders, to the final triumph, this exceptional series leaves no stone unturned.

For more information on Discovery en Espanol programming, interactive games and more, viewers may log onto www.discoveryenespanol.com.

About Discovery en Espanol

Discovery en Espanol is the Spanish-language voice of Discovery. It is the premiere network dedicated to offering the finest in quality programming in the areas of science and technology, world culture and history, nature and wildlife as well as real-life drama. The network creates an indelibly enriching experience by collecting the best of what Discovery's networks have to offer in combination with its own original Spanish-language content. Created by the world's most trusted media brand, Discovery en Espanol translates not just the words, but the feeling of Discovery, educating and engaging audiences nationwide with fascinating glimpses into the incredible world they inhabit. For more information, visit www.discoveryenespanol.com.

Source: Discovery en Espanol

CONTACT: Heidi Lazo, +1-305-255-4133, heidi@adcompr.com; Angela D'Costa,
+1-305-866-4944, angela@adcompr.com, both for Discovery en Espanol

Web Site: http://www.discoveryenespanol.com/

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