Authorities in Colombia are closing in on the individuals allegedly responsible for the abduction of Liverpool soccer star Luis Diaz's father. While Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was successfully rescued shortly after the kidnapping, the hunt for Luis Manuel Diaz continues.
The kidnapping unfolded over the weekend when unidentified armed motorcyclists seized the couple in Barrancas, a zone within the northern La Guajira state of Colombia. Notably, this arid region, which shares its border with Venezuela, is notorious for its history of armed group activity, mainly those involved in smuggling contraband and narcotics.
In response to the distressing situation, a significant joint operation between Colombia's police and military is in full swing. The mission comprises an extensive team of 230 military and police commandos. Further, a Black Hawk helicopter and a heat-sensing airplane are being employed to enhance the search's efficiency and reach.
National Police Deputy Director, General Alejandro Zapata, shared a potentially crucial update, stating that two of the suspected four kidnappers have likely been identified. Security footage played a pivotal role in this revelation. This level of urgency and commitment to the case is evident with the direct involvement of Gen. William Salamanca, the director of the national police, who has even liaised with Diaz to glean essential details regarding his father's whereabouts.
General Zapata emphasized the calculated nature of such kidnappings, highlighting the potential roles of informants and collaborators in orchestrating the crime. The challenge now is to ensure Diaz's father is located within Colombian borders and doesn't get smuggled into the neighboring country of Venezuela. "It's quite possible they're looking for a chance to escape to that place," Zapata mentioned, expressing the pressing urgency of the situation.
Back in Liverpool, the situation has deeply resonated within the footballing community. Due to safety concerns, Diaz was advised against returning to Colombia and was notably absent from the Reds' recent Premier League fixture.
Ahead of their upcoming League Cup match against Bournemouth, Liverpool's assistant coach, Pepijn Lijnders, spoke warmly of Diaz, praising not only his footballing talent but also the bond he shares with his teammates. "We try to support him as much as we can... We just pray for that," Lijnders said, echoing the sentiments of the entire Liverpool team and fans across the globe.
