Colombia Government Confirms ELN Rebels Kidnap Luis Diaz's Father

In a recent development, the Colombia government officially attributed the kidnapping of Luis Diaz's father to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a prominent guerrilla group, AP reports.

Luis Diaz is not only a standout figure in Liverpool's soccer team but also represents the Colombian national soccer team.

The government's peace delegation, currently engaged in negotiations with ELN, issued a formal statement declaring that they had "official knowledge" of ELN's involvement in the abduction.

Otty Patiño, who leads the peace delegation, emphasized, "We demand that the ELN releases Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz immediately, and we hold them entirely responsible for his safety and well-being."

The incident unfolded last Saturday when both of Luis Diaz's parents were kidnapped by armed individuals on motorcycles at a gas station in the small town of Barrancas.

Thankfully, Luis Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was swiftly rescued by the police, who established roadblocks in the area.

Barrancas, a town of 40,000 people, is located near the border between Colombia and Venezuela.

Luis Diaz's father remains missing, prompting special forces to initiate a search operation in a mountainous region that straddles both countries and is shrouded in cloud forest.

Additionally, the police have offered a $48,000 reward for any information leading to the whereabouts of Diaz's father.

Colombia Government Initially Suspected ELN's Involvement in Kidnapping

Initially, Colombian authorities suspected the involvement of a criminal gang in the kidnapping, TOI noted.

However, the government's peace delegation, in ongoing talks with ELN, later confirmed the guerrilla group's responsibility.

ELN, the last active major guerrilla organization in Colombia, has been engaged in an armed struggle against the state since 1964 and is estimated to have around 2,500 members.

In response to this revelation, the Colombian government has intensified its search efforts in the Serranía del Perijá, a mountainous area along the Colombia-Venezuela border.

This region has yielded potential leads, including motorbikes and a car believed to be linked to the kidnapping.

Luis Diaz, who is not only a key player in Liverpool but also a member of Colombia's national football team, enjoys immense popularity in the country.

His father's kidnapping has stirred outrage and garnered widespread support from local citizens and Liverpool FC.

Colombia Government Tried to Hide ELN's Involvement in Luis Diaz's Father's Kidnapping

Adding complexity to this distressing situation are allegations of government secrecy surrounding the incident, per The City Paper.

Some sources claim that the Colombian government, led by President Gustavo Petro, deliberately concealed the ELN's involvement in Luis Diaz's father's abduction from the public eye.

This alleged secrecy has raised questions about the government's handling of the situation and the future of President Petro's "total peace" agenda with illegal armed groups.

President Petro broke his silence on the matter on Thursday, acknowledging the ELN's involvement and pledging to work towards the release of "Lucho" Diaz's father.

His statement underscores the gravity of the situation and casts doubt on the future of peace talks with the guerrilla group.

In a statement issued by the peace delegation, signed by delegate Otty Patiño, there is a strong expression of solidarity with Luis Diaz's family and a firm demand for the immediate release of Mr. Manuel Diaz.

The statement emphasizes the ELN's responsibility to ensure his safety and well-being, underscoring the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law.

According to ELN, Manuel Diaz, Luis Diaz's father, is not considered a hostage but is currently "detained."

A significant manhunt led by Colombia's National Police has been underway since Saturday, with over 200 members of the country's elite anti-kidnapping squad Gaula.

The National Police have conducted raids in several locations in La Guajira and the mountainous Serranía del Perijá in their efforts to locate Manuel Diaz, who is being held hostage.

ELN is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, the European Union, and other countries.

This designation is based on the organization's history of violence, kidnappings, and other illegal activities.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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