Terror on Chocó Highway: 39 Passengers Kidnapped, Soldier Killed in ELN Ambush

A severe humanitarian and security crisis has erupted in western Colombia following the mass kidnapping of 39 people on the highway linking Medellín with Quibdó. The incident, attributed by the military to the 'Hernández El Boche' Front of the National Liberation Army (ELN), intensified dramatically when troops responding to the scene were ambushed. This confrontation resulted in the death of one professional soldier and left six others seriously wounded. According to joint information from authorities, the mass kidnapping took place early Tuesday morning. Heavily armed members of the illegal group blocked the key road between the sectors known as El 18 and Las Toldas. Exploiting the passage of intercity public transport, the subversives forced two buses from the Rápido Ochoa S.A. company to stop, detaining drivers and passengers, including at least one minor. Brigadier General Eduardo Alberto Arias, commander of the Army's Seventh Division, confirmed ongoing communication in the area and stated the victims are unharmed but remain under ELN control. Military and police units were immediately deployed to secure the area and facilitate the passengers' release. However, during the troops' advance, ELN members launched a violent ambush, leading to the soldier's death and the injury of six others. Vice President Francia Márquez strongly condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable and emphasizing the need to respect life and freedom.

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It is absolutely unacceptable that, in the midst of these events, a soldier of the Military Forces has been killed and six others have been injured. Life and freedom must be respected.