ELN Kidnappers Insist on Safety Assurance Before Diaz’s Father Freed

ELN Kidnappers Insist on Safety Assurance Before Diaz’s Father Freed

Web Desk
November 6, 2023

ELN Kidnappers Insist on Safety Assurance Before Diaz’s Father Freed

ELN rebels demand “security assurances” before releasing Luis Diaz’s father.
The ongoing military and police search is a cause for concern, says ELN.
Luis Manuel Diaz, Liverpool player, calls for the immediate release of his father.

The rebel group holding Luis Diaz‘s father hostage has insisted on receiving “security assurances” before his release.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) expressed concerns that the ongoing military and police search efforts would both delay the release and increase the risks involved, as reported by Colombian media.

Luis Manuel Diaz, who plays for Liverpool, has called for the immediate release of his father and an end to the “agonizing wait.” His mother was left in a car when his parents were kidnapped, and his father was taken hostage.

Colombian international Diaz recently came off the bench to secure a last-minute goal for Liverpool in a match against Luton Town, marking his return to the field after his parents’ abduction.

The ELN has reiterated its commitment to releasing Diaz’s father “as soon as possible.” However,

“We are making efforts to avoid incidents with government forces,” the ELN said. “The area is still militarised, they are carrying out flyovers, disembarking troops, broadcasting and offering rewards as part of an intense search operation.

“This situation is not allowing for the execution of the release plan quickly and safely, where Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz is not at risk.

“If operations continue in the area, they will delay the release and increase the risks.

“We understand the anguish of the Diaz Marulanda family, to whom we say that we will keep our word to release him unilaterally, as soon as we have security guarantees for the development of the liberation operation.”

In Luis Diaz’s hometown of Barrancas in the northern province of La Guajira, both of his parents were forcibly taken by ELN left-wing guerrillas.

While his mother was located later on the same day, his father’s whereabouts remain unknown. The Colombian government has deployed a significant number of police and soldiers to conduct the search.

At the age of 26, Diaz had been absent from Liverpool’s lineup since their Europa League victory over Toulouse on October 26. However, he made his return to the squad for a Premier League match against Luton on Sunday.

Following his crucial goal in the game, Diaz revealed a message of “freedom for papa” on his undershirt, and he subsequently issued a statement pleading for his father’s release.

“I beg that they free him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait. In the name of love and compassion we ask they reconsider their actions and allow us to have him back,” Diaz said.

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