Colombian forces rescue 39 hostages held captive by rebel group

A daring rescue operation by the Colombian military on Tuesday resulted in the liberation of 39 kidnapped individuals, all of whom were being held by the National Liberation Army (ELN), the country's largest active guerrilla group, according to an official statement.

n

The hostages, who included a minor, were initially seized by the ELN on a highway in the remote Choco region, where the armed group maintains a significant presence.

n

General Hugo Lopez announced the successful rescue on X, stating "Our 39 compatriots have regained their freedom," while also revealing that two soldiers lost their lives during the operation to free the captives.

n

A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, had earlier informed AFP that all the kidnapped individuals were civilians who were traveling by bus at the time of their capture.

n

The ELN, which is the oldest surviving guerrilla group in the Americas, generates funding through its involvement in drug trafficking and other illicit activities, and exercises control over the residents of Choco, a region located on Colombia's Pacific coast, bordering Panama.

n

The ELN frequently clashes with security forces in the area, and its presence has contributed to the region's instability.

n

Outgoing President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader who took office in 2022, had attempted to negotiate a peace agreement with the ELN, but these efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

n

According to experts, illegal armed groups have increased in strength over the past four years in Colombia, and kidnappings by drug traffickers have become a common occurrence.

n

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who will assume office on August 7, has pledged to take a tougher stance on security and has promised to target insurgents with military force.