BOGOTA, Colombia —Latin America’s last major rebel army is denouncing the “betrayal” of two guerrillas who were guarding 15 hostages liberated by the Colombian military earlier this month.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia says “the escape of the 15 prisoners of war” on July 2 “was a direct consequence of the despicable conduct of Cesar and Enrique, who betrayed their revolutionary commitment.”

Colombian soldiers overpowered and arrested the two rebels during the mission. Government officials have said that the operation took the rebels completely by surprise.

The FARC’s statement appeared Friday on the Web site of the Bolivarian Press Agency, which usually carries rebel commentaries.