Reports in Colombia have confirmed that the kidnappers who took Luis Diaz’s father are representatives of ELN, a recognized terrorist group.
The Colombian government has stated that the National Liberation Army, also known as ELN are responsible for the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda.
Luis Diaz’s mother was rescued but his father remains in captivity
The couple were abducted in Barrancas, La Guajira last Saturday night, October 28.
Although Marulanda has been rescued, Diaz Sr. remains missing, and authorities are conducting a search operation in mountain ranges and jungles.
Meanwhile, there were initial concerns that Diaz Sr. had been smuggled into Venezuela but that has been debunked following the new report.
After an arrest was reported in Barrancas on Wednesday morning, November 1, multiple Colombian outlets have confirmed that the group responsible for the crime has been identified.
Reports from the local area and football journalist Fabrizio Romano align with the Colombian government’s statement, stating that the National Liberation Army (ELN) orchestrated the kidnapping.
Leading the government delegation, Otty Patino expressed the State’s demand for the immediate release of Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz by the ELN, emphasizing that they bear complete responsibility for ensuring his safety and well-being.
Otty Patino said: “We demand that the ELN releases immediately Mr Luis Manuel Diaz and we say as of now that they are entirely responsible for securing his life and integrity.”
“We remind the ELN that kidnappings are criminal acts which violate international humanitarian law and that it is their duty as part of the current peace process to not only stop engaging in kidnappings but also to forever stamp them out.”
Founded in 1964, ELN is a well-established guerrilla group that has gained recognition as a terrorist organization in Colombia, Venezuela, the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
The government’s peace negotiators have engaged in discussions with ELN, emphasizing the urgency of Diaz Sr.’s prompt release.
Their statement further added: “We remind the ELN that kidnapping is a criminal practice, violative of International Humanitarian Law.”
Meanwhile, Special forces are currently in the search for Diaz’s father, as the police have offered a reward exceeding £40,000 for any relevant information.
Despite not returning to Colombia to be with his mother, Diaz has chosen to remain in Merseyside, resulting in Liverpool not considering him available for the team.
According to reports, Liverpool are providing off-field support for Diaz and his extended family in the UK.
Diaz has an impressive record of 43 appearances and nine goals for the Colombia national team.
He made his move to Anfield from Porto in January 2022 and played a significant role in their pursuit of the Quadruple in the latter half of the 2021-22 season, ultimately securing victories in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
