Colombian soldier serving in French Foreign Legion kidnapped in Colombia

A Colombian national serving in the French Foreign Legion has been kidnapped in the southwestern department of Nariño, Colombia, an area known to be under the influence of dissident guerrilla groups. The soldier, identified as José Olger Melo Charry, was taken hostage on August 6 while traveling on a local road.

According to an army report, the abduction was carried out by remnants of the former FARC guerrilla group who have since distanced themselves from the 2016 peace agreement. The military report indicates that the rebels seized the soldier, who holds Colombian nationality but serves in the French Foreign Legion.

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The case is being followed very closely by the Ministry of Defense and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The French Armed Forces thank Colombia for having opened a judicial investigation.

Both the French Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are closely following the case. A French defense ministry statement confirmed the soldier's nationality and noted that while his permit allowed him to stay in metropolitan France, it did not authorize travel to Colombia. The ministry also stated that French armed forces appreciate Colombia's judicial investigation into the matter.

Colombian military officials are investigating the kidnapping. Colonel Mauricio Osorio, head of an anti-kidnapping division in Nariño, reported that as of Friday, no proof of life or ransom demands had been received by the family. The victim, a 34 or 35-year-old corporal, had arrived in Colombia the day before his abduction. He was traveling with a woman who was also briefly taken hostage but released hours later. Authorities suspect Melo Charry is being held with other kidnapped Colombian soldiers in a mountainous region of the Andes. No military operation is currently planned for his rescue.

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France is, naturally, attentive to the situation of its soldiers and, in particular, of its legionaries.