Mechanic kidnapped in Nariño rescued alive by security forces

Colombian security forces have rescued a mechanic kidnapped by illegal armed group dissidents in the Nariño region. The man was taken on June 7 in the rural area of Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé. He was found alive after a joint operation by the Army's Task Force Hercules, the Colombian Navy, and the National Police.

According to Colonel William Morales Guerrero, commander of Task Force Hercules, the victim was held by members of the residual Western Bloc Jacobo Arenas. The group had demanded 60 million pesos from his family for his release. "We strongly condemn these criminal acts that violate the freedom and dignity of Colombians," Guerrero stated.

The rescue took place in a difficult-to-access jungle area. The mechanic received medical attention and was moved to a secure location. The operation is seen as a significant success against groups involved in kidnapping and extortion in the Nariño Pacific coast. The Army pledged to continue joint operations to protect civilians and counter criminal activities in the department.

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De acuerdo con las informaciones preliminares, la víctima había sido secuestrada por integrantes de la estructura 30 Jonier Toro Arenas del Gaor residual Bloque Occidental Jacobo Arenas, quienes exigían a sus familiares un pago de 60 millones de pesos a cambio de respetar su vida y permitir su liberación.