Colombia is facing a serious crisis after 57 soldiers were kidnapped in the Micay Canyon area, located in the south-western part of the country. The Colombian military reported that 31 soldiers were taken on Saturday, followed by another group of 26 on Sunday. This alarming incident involved over 200 civilians who acted under pressure from dissidents of the Farc rebel group.
The Micay Canyon is known for its mountainous terrain, which is a significant hub for cocaine production. It remains a hotspot in Colombia’s ongoing conflict with various rebel groups, making the situation even more precarious. Brigadier General Federico Alberto Mejia addressed the media, stating that the abduction is indeed a kidnapping, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Local media reports suggest that the EMC rebel group, a major offshoot of the Farc, may have orchestrated this mass kidnapping. However, the EMC has not yet commented on the incident. The region is critical for transporting cocaine to ports on the Pacific coast, where the drugs are then shipped illegally to other countries.
This event underscores the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in dealing with drug-related violence and the remnants of armed conflict. The military is now working to resolve the situation and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped soldiers.