Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the kidnapping of 34 military in rural area of El Reto, Guaviarestating that he was executed by armed civilians who interrupted the military operation against FARC dissidents That has been held last Sunday.
Minister Sánchez said that this fact cannot be interpreted as a retention or as the creation of an alleged humanitarian corridor, but as a criminal action that constitutes kidnapping.
“They are not retaining them, that goes against their unity and that is a kidnapping. Here we must defend our integrity and that of all Colombians; We do not need a humanitarian corridor imposed by illegal structures “, declared the head of the portfolio.
For its part Military Forces Commander, Admiral Francisco CubidesHe said that at the time of the extraction of the troops in the area, it was prevented by the community, not allowing it to remove the more than 30 uniformed from the area.
Previous combat against dissidents
The minister explained that the kidnapping occurred in the midst of military operations developed last Sunday against The dissidents of alias ‘bite’, main threat in the region.
During the fighting, which extended for more than six hours, it was downcast alias chito alias duma, indicated as a “terrorist bishop” from Cauca.
In the operation died 10 members of the dissidents, two more were captured And he recovered at a minor. However, Caracol Radio learned that there are actually more than 30 bodies that have not been recovered by special commands.
The confrontation included attacks on two aircraft of the Public Force, which were impacted, although without consequences for the crew.
“Thanks to the courage of our soldiers and the support of the National Police, the Army, the Navy and the Aerospace Force, it was possible to maintain the integrity of the troop and continue with the operation,” said Minister Sánchez.
He informed that the Government already made efforts to the Ombudsman’s Office, the monitoring and verification mechanism (Maboea) and the UN, in order to guarantee the immediate release of the kidnapped military.
“We hope you release them as soon as possible to continue protecting all Colombians,” He pointed out.
