The release of Luis Díaz’s father by the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian rebel group, will be delayed due to ongoing military operations in the region. Díaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, and father, Luis Manuel Díaz, were abducted while driving in La Guajira province on October 28. Marulanda was freed shortly after the kidnapping, but the reasons for their abduction remain unclear. However, sources suggest that the ELN, known for funding its activities through kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking, may have been involved.
Despite the ELN’s promise to free Luis Manuel Díaz as soon as possible, the presence of Colombia’s security forces in the area has complicated the situation. In a statement seen by Reuters, the group explained that the region is still under military control, with ongoing flyovers, troop deployments, megaphone broadcasts, reward offers, and combing operations. These conditions have hindered the release of Luis Manuel Díaz and may increase the risks involved. If military operations persist, further delays in the release can be expected.
Colombia’s government has identified the ELN as responsible for the kidnapping. The rebel group and the government have been engaged in ceasefire negotiations to end the ELN’s involvement in Colombia’s decades-long internal armed conflict, which has claimed the lives of more than 450,000 people. Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco expressed serious concern, stating that the situation not only violated the ceasefire agreement but also undermined the progress made in the peace talks.
Luis Díaz, a prominent footballer for Liverpool, paid tribute to his father during a match against Luton Town in the Premier League. After scoring a late equalizer, the 26-year-old celebrated by lifting his shirt to reveal a message that read: “LIBERTAD PARA PAPA” (“Freedom for Dad”). This emotional display showcased his personal anguish and desire for his father’s release. Díaz’s plea for his father’s freedom further highlights the urgency of the situation and the impact it is having on his personal and professional life.
The delays in the release of Luis Manuel Díaz by the ELN have wider implications for the peace process in Colombia. With the rebel group still involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping and drug trafficking, there are concerns about the ELN’s commitment to lasting peace. While the government and the ELN have made progress in their negotiations, incidents like these erode public trust and cast doubt on the rebels’ true intentions.
The ongoing military operations in the region have hindered the release of Luis Díaz’s father by the ELN. The situation not only violates the ceasefire agreement but also raises questions about the group’s dedication to achieving a peaceful resolution. The emotional display by Luis Díaz during a football match highlights the personal toll this ordeal is taking on him and his family. As the Colombian government and the ELN continue their negotiations, it is essential to address the issue of criminal activities within the rebel group to ensure a more sustainable peace.
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