In a troubling escalation of violence tied to Colombia's coca trade, 57 soldiers were kidnapped by civilians in the Micay Canyon region, reportedly under the influence of a dissenting rebel group.
57 Soldiers Kidnapped in Colombia's Drug-Plagued Micay Canyon
57 Soldiers Kidnapped in Colombia's Drug-Plagued Micay Canyon
Colombian military personnel fall victim to mass abduction amidst ongoing drug conflict.
Dozens of soldiers were reportedly abducted over the weekend in Colombia's troubled Micay Canyon, a region notorious for its coca cultivation and the ongoing conflict involving various rebel factions. According to military officials, 57 members of the armed forces were seized by a group of more than 200 civilians, with the initial 31 soldiers taken on Saturday, followed by 26 more on Sunday. The military asserts that these actions are a direct result of pressure from dissidents linked to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), which has been at odds with the government despite formal peace agreements established in 2016.
Brigadier General Federico Alberto Mejia described the incident as "kidnapping," underscoring the gravity of the situation. Reports suggest that the EMC, a significant offshoot of the Farc, may have orchestrated the abductions, although the group has yet to make any statements regarding the matter. The Micay Canyon serves as a critical route for cocaine smuggling, and the escalating tensions there reflect the broader struggles facing Colombia as it grapples with both drug-related violence and efforts toward peace. The national military continues to face challenges in securing the region, which remains a volatile hotspot in the ongoing battle against organized crime and insurgent forces.
