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Mass Kidnapping of Military Personnel in Southeast Colombia
At least 34 Colombian soldiers have been kidnapped by an armed guerrilla group in the dense jungles of southeastern Colombia. The incident occurred following a violent confrontation that resulted in the deaths of 11 guerrilla fighters from the EMC (Central General Staff), a dissident faction of former FARC rebels.
Details of the Attack
The kidnapping took place after military forces engaged with EMC guerrillas in a remote jungle region known for coca cultivation. According to Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez, the soldiers were ambushed by armed civilians as they were withdrawing from the area. "This is an illegal criminal act committed by people in civilian clothing," Sanchez stated, condemning the action as kidnapping.
EMC: Dissident FARC Faction
The EMC represents former FARC members who rejected the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The group continues to engage in criminal activities including drug trafficking, illegal mining, and kidnapping to fund their operations. During the recent confrontation, a high-ranking EMC commander was killed.
Pattern of Violence Escalates
This incident marks the second major kidnapping this year. In June 2025, 57 soldiers were held hostage for two days before being rescued in a military operation. Defense Minister Sanchez confirmed that the EMC was responsible for both incidents, using captured military personnel as human shields.
Broader Security Crisis
The kidnapping occurs amid escalating violence across Colombia. Last week, 18 people were killed and 40 injured in attacks in Cali and Amalfi, attributed to various dissident FARC factions. The southeastern jungle region has long been a hotspot for coca production and illegal armed group activity.
Political Implications
President Gustavo Petro, himself a former guerrilla fighter with M-19, promised peace negotiations with active armed groups upon taking office. However, the recent surge in violence demonstrates the challenges of his approach, particularly given the fragmentation of guerrilla groups and their deep involvement in criminal enterprises. The security situation is expected to dominate political discourse leading up to next year's presidential elections.
