Colombia: 57 Soldiers Kidnapped
- Fifty-seven Colombian soldiers have been kidnapped by civilians in the Micay Canyon region, a southwestern area known for cocaine production.
- The military believes the civilians acted under duress from dissidents of the FARC rebel group.
- Federico Alberto Mejia addressed the situation in a social media video, stating that four non-commissioned officers and 53 soldiers were taken over the weekend.
In a developing crisis, 57 colombian soldiers have been kidnapped by civilians in the Micay Canyon, a key zone of cocaine production and rebel activity. The incident spotlights the intricate role played by both armed groups and drug trafficking throughout the area. Initial reports directly implicate FARC dissidents as potential orchestrators, adding further complexity to the situation. News Directory 3 is closely monitoring the unfolding events and the military’s efforts to secure the soldiers’ release. We’ll continue to provide updates. discover what’s next as we investigate the ongoing conflict, the fate of Colombian soldiers, and the impact of cocaine production in this volatile region.
Colombian Soldiers Kidnapped in Cocaine Production Zone
Updated June 23, 2025
Fifty-seven Colombian soldiers have been kidnapped by civilians in the Micay Canyon region, a southwestern area known for cocaine production. The Colombian military reported that 31 soldiers were seized Saturday, with an additional 26 abducted Sunday. Authorities say a group of more than 200 civilians carried out the kidnappings.
The military believes the civilians acted under duress from dissidents of the FARC rebel group. A peace agreement was signed between FARC and the Colombian government in 2016. However, the mountainous Micay Canyon remains a hotbed for both cocaine production and ongoing conflict with rebel factions.
Brig. Gen. Federico Alberto Mejia addressed the situation in a social media video, stating that four non-commissioned officers and 53 soldiers were taken over the weekend. “This is called kidnapping,” Mejia said.
Local media reports suggest the EMC, a major FARC offshoot, may have orchestrated the kidnappings. The EMC has yet to comment. The Micay Canyon serves as a crucial transit point for cocaine headed to Pacific ports, from where it is illegally shipped internationally. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the region,where the role of armed groups,the cocaine production,and the safety of Colombian soldiers are intertwined.
What’s next
The Colombian military is working to secure the release of the kidnapped soldiers and restore order in the Micay Canyon. Further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the EMC’s involvement and address the underlying issues of drug trafficking and rebel activity in the region.