Colombian soldiers released after three-day captivity

In Colombia, thirty-three soldiers were freed after their capture by local villagers who were acting under the orders of a rebel group. This incident took place in the southeastern province of Guaviare, following a gunfight that led to the death of ten members of a FARC holdout group. The soldiers had been held since Monday, starting a tense situation that prompted intervention from authorities. The dispute arose when soldiers were taken captive by villagers as a response to demands regarding the return of a slain rebel’s body. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez informed the public that the body had been taken to a morgue located in the provincial capital, and negotiations were ongoing to resolve the situation peacefully. Initially, it was reported that 34 soldiers were seized, but the count later revised to 33. On Thursday, Colombia's ombudswoman, Iris Marín, announced the successful release of the soldiers. Her office took an active role in mediating between the military and the local community to facilitate their safe return. The event underscored the ongoing complexities and tensions in the region, particularly in light of the historical conflicts involving guerrilla groups, like FARC, and the military. The successful negotiation for the release indicates both the fragility of security in these areas and the influence of former rebel factions on local communities. It highlights the continuous challenges faced by the Colombian government in managing relations with guerrilla groups after the formal peace process, as well as the need for sensitive engagement with communities directly affected by violence.