The abduction of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz's father by the ELN rebel group has ignited a massive search operation across Colombia, with the government and military forces mobilizing extensive resources to secure his release.
Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of the renowned Liverpool star, was taken by armed individuals linked to the National Liberation Army (ELN) while visiting a service station in the La Guajira region. His wife, Cilenis Marulanda, was released during the ordeal, and the swift response by local authorities prevented her abduction. Security footage captured the harrowing moment, spotlighting the vulnerability of even the family members of international sports figures.
A substantial rescue effort, involving 230 commandos backed by aerial support, including a Black Hawk helicopter and an aircraft equipped with thermal detection, is scouring the region for any sign of Mr. Diaz. This mountainous terrain, known for being a treacherous hideout for armed groups, has become the focus of a relentless manhunt.
In a public statement, the Colombian government has asserted that the kidnapping is the work of the ELN, the country's last remaining recognized guerrilla group, with a current strength estimated at 2,500 members. The ELN began as a leftist ideological faction in 1964, but over time, its activities shifted towards more criminal endeavors, such as kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking.
The head of the government's delegation in peace negotiations with the ELN, Otty Patino, has unequivocally condemned the act, declaring kidnappings as "criminal acts which violate international humanitarian law." He stressed the obligation of the ELN to desist from such actions, especially in the light of ongoing peace talks.
The reaction to the kidnapping has been one of widespread condemnation and calls for the immediate release of Mr. Diaz. Support has flooded in from various quarters, including a significant march led by Diaz's mother to demand her husband's safe return.
Hundreds of people have marched on the streets of Colombia for the safe release of Luis Diaz’s father, who remains a hostage after being kidnapped last week.https://t.co/nJwXcdTqUt — Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) November 1, 2023
The Liverpool community has rallied around Luis Diaz during this trying period. Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, has dedicated recent victories to Diaz, affirming solidarity with their "brother". Liverpool's players have also made gestures of support, with Diogo Jota showcasing Diaz's jersey in a show of unity, and social media posts by the team following suit.
Liverpool's assistant coach, Pepijn Lijnders, echoed the sentiments of the entire squad, emphasizing their concern for Diaz and his family's well-being, while acknowledging the limits of their ability to intervene directly in the matter.
The kidnapping is not only a personal tragedy for the Diaz family but also casts a spotlight on the challenges Colombia continues to face with armed groups and the urgency for peace in the region. It remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of security in parts of the country and the far-reaching impact of such criminal acts.
