Colombia: Dozens of Soldiers Kidnapped in Micay Canyon by Suspected FARC Dissidents

Dozens of Soldiers Seized in Colombia's Micay Canyon

The Colombian military reports that 57 soldiers have been kidnapped by civilians in the southwestern Micay Canyon area.

According to the military, 31 soldiers were seized on Saturday, while the rest were abducted on Sunday by a group of over 200 people. They believe the civilians are acting under pressure from dissidents of the FARC rebel group, which agreed to a peace deal with the government in 2016.

Key Region for Cocaine Production

The mountainous Micay Canyon is a key zone for cocaine production and remains one of the most tense areas in Colombia's ongoing conflict with rebel groups.

In a video statement, Brig Gen Federico Alberto Mejia condemned the actions. "This is called kidnapping," he stated.

Suspicions Point to EMC Rebel Group

Local media suggests that the EMC rebel group, the largest offshoot of FARC, may have ordered the kidnappings. The EMC has not yet commented on the issue.

The Micay Canyon is used for transporting cocaine to Pacific ports, from where the drugs are illegally shipped to other countries.