Colombian military officials report the abduction of 57 soldiers in the southern Micay Canyon, a critical region for drug trafficking, highlighting the ongoing conflict with Farc dissidents.
Ongoing Crisis: 57 Soldiers Abducted in Colombia's Cocaine-Producing Region
Ongoing Crisis: 57 Soldiers Abducted in Colombia's Cocaine-Producing Region
A troubling surge in violence as over 50 soldiers are taken hostage in the Micay Canyon area, allegedly under pressure from dissident rebel factions.
Colombia's military is grappling with an alarming situation as 57 soldiers have reportedly been kidnapped in the precarious Micay Canyon area located in the southwest of the country. The abductions occurred over the weekend, with 31 soldiers initially taken on Saturday, followed by another group on Sunday, with civilians, reportedly motivated by coercion from dissidents of the Farc rebel group, facilitating these acts.
Brigadier General Federico Alberto Mejia addressed the situation through a video message on social media, stating, "This is called kidnapping." Local media suggests that the EMC, the largest dissident faction of the Farc that had previously agreed to a peace deal in 2016, may be involved in orchestrating these kidnappings, although they have yet to issue a response.
The Micay Canyon is a significant area known for cocaine production and drug trafficking, with routes utilized for smuggling cocaine to Pacific ports, contributing to the complexities of Colombia's ongoing internal conflict. The situation underscores the persistent violence in regions entwined with illicit drug trade and the influential reach of various armed factions amid efforts to maintain peace and stability in Colombia.
