ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Paraguay's military says a guerrilla group operating in the country's north has freed a young hostage. The leftist Paraguayan People's Army released 17-year-old Arlan Fick late Thursday. They had been holding him hostage since April 2, and had refused to release him even after receiving a $500,000 ransom. Gen. Ramon Benitez confirmed the release to The Associated Press. He says Fick was released some 37 miles (60 kilometers) from his home in the northern state of San Pedro. Officials accuse the rebels of carrying out killings, kidnappings, bank robberies and attacks on police. Victims include 22 civilians, 13 police officers and three members of the military since 2008.
