Colombian military frees 39 people kidnapped by guerrillas

The Colombian military successfully liberated 39 people, including a minor, who had been abducted by the National Liberation Army (ELN), the country's largest active guerrilla group. The operation resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

According to an official statement, the hostages were captured on a highway in the remote Choco region, an area where the ELN maintains a strong presence. General Hugo Lopez announced on X that "Our 39 compatriots have regained their freedom." A military source speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity confirmed that all the kidnapped individuals were civilians traveling by bus.

The ELN, recognized as the oldest surviving guerrilla group in the Americas, finances its operations through activities such as drug trafficking. The group exercises control over residents in the Choco region, situated on Colombia's Pacific coast bordering Panama, and frequently engages in clashes with security forces.

Efforts by the government of outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro to negotiate peace with the ELN since he took office in 2022 have thus far been unsuccessful. Experts note that illegal armed groups have grown in strength in Colombia over the last four years, with kidnapping by drug traffickers being a common occurrence. President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who is set to take office on August 7, has pledged to adopt a tougher stance on security and to combat insurgents.

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Our 39 compatriots have regained their freedom