ELN Confirms Release of Luis Diaz’s Father
Group Says It Will Release Him as Soon as Possible
The National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian guerrilla group, has confirmed that they will release Luis Diaz’s father.
The group made the statement after confirming he is related to Liverpool football star Diaz.
Luis Manuel Diaz Jimenez, aged 58, was taken hostage at gunpoint alongside his wife in their hometown of Barrancas in La Guajira, Colombia, last Saturday.
The ELN, which had been identified as the group responsible for the abduction, later claimed responsibility and promised to release Luis Manuel within “hours.”
A representative for the terrorist group, Juan Carlos Cuellar, stated, “We must recognize the situation you have heard in the news is true, and the ELN is going to free Mr. Diaz’s father as soon as possible.”
The news of Luis Diaz’s father’s release follows earlier speculation that he was being taken to Venezuela.
Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was reportedly found safe after the guerrilla group left her in a car and was placed under police protection.
Colombian authorities officially confirmed that the ELN was behind the abduction on Thursday.
They demanded the immediate release of Luis Manuel Diaz and emphasized that kidnapping is a criminal practice, in violation of International Humanitarian Law.
Conclusion:
The ELN has confirmed that they will release Luis Diaz’s father as soon as possible.
The news of his release is a relief to his family and friends, as well as to the Colombian people.