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ARCHIVE - Soldiers patrol the outskirts of Morales. (to dpa: "34 soldiers kidnapped in Colombia") Photo: Juan B Diaz/AP/dpa
Keystone
After fierce battles with a splinter group of the Farc guerrilla organization, 34 soldiers have been kidnapped in southern Colombia. "We will not give in in the face of this criminal threat," said a statement from the South American country's Ministry of Defense. "We will defend the lives, freedom and dignity of those who have sworn to serve their country."
On Sunday, the military engaged in a six-hour firefight with the Farc splinter group in the department of Guaviare, according to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. Several suspected gang members were killed, including a leader of the criminal group.
19 dead and dozens injured in attacks
Colombia was recently shaken by a wave of violence. Last week, 19 people were killed and dozens more injured in an attack by criminals on a police unit during an anti-drug operation in the north of the country and a bomb attack near an air force base in the major city of Cali.
Although the security situation in the former civil war country has improved, parts of Colombia are still controlled by illegal groups. Criminal gangs, left-wing rebels, splinter groups of former guerrilla organizations and paramilitaries are involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining and protection rackets.
26.08.2025, 22:52
