November 06, (THEWILL) – The rebel group holding footballer Luis Diaz’s father hostage have claimed that military activity in Colombia is delaying his safe release and putting him at risk.
Diaz’s parents were kidnapped over a week ago, with his mother quickly freed. Despite pledges to expedite the return of Diaz’s father, the National Liberation Army (ELN) said it is taking longer than expected. In a statement released to Colombian media, ELN Commander Jose Manuel Martinez Quiroz said the area remains heavily militarised, with troops, flyovers and rewards on offer.
Quiroz said this situation does not allow for a quick and safe release where Diaz’s father is not at risk. He said that if operations continue, the release will be further delayed and the risks increased. The Commander reaffirmed the group’s commitment to unilaterally release Diaz’s father once security conditions allow.
The statement comes after Liverpool winger Diaz made an emotional appeal for his father’s return, lifting his shirt after scoring to display the message “Freedom for Dad”. In an Instagram post, Diaz begged the ELN to release his father immediately, respecting his integrity.
Diaz thanked Colombians and the international community for their support during this “difficult time”, echoing the ELN’s call for cooperation to ensure his father’s prompt and safe return home.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
