The Colombian rebels allegedly behind the kidnapping of Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s father have warned his deliberate launch is in danger and will now be delayed.
Guerrilla group the Nationwide Liberation Military (ELN) mentioned on Thursday it meant to launch Luis Manuel Diaz “as quickly as doable” following his abduction on Saturday 28 October within the city of Barrancas, close to Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
However late on Sunday evening, the rebels mentioned the plans had been in jeopardy because of the ongoing presence of presidency safety forces within the area.
It comes after the Premier League star made his first look on a soccer pitch for the reason that kidnapping, when he got here on as an alternative to attain a late equaliser in his side‘s 1-1 draw at Luton City on Sunday night.
After scoring, the winger lifted his shirt to disclose the message “libertad para papa” – which means “freedom for my father”.
However in a brand new assertion, the ELN mentioned it will now solely launch the Colombia worldwide’s father if authorities forces backed off from the area.
They mentioned: “The realm remains to be militarised, there are flyovers, deployment of troops, megaphone broadcasts, presents of rewards and an intense combing operation.
“If operations proceed within the space, the discharge can be delayed and dangers will enhance.”
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Pic: @PoliciaColombia
Colombia’s authorities blamed the ELN for the kidnapping final week, though the explanation why the group took him is unclear.
Nonetheless the rebels have lengthy been accused of funding their operations by way of kidnappings, in addition to through extortion and drug trafficking.
A ceasefire is at the moment in place between authorities forces and the ELN whereas peace talks proceed to finish the country‘s six-decades of civil warfare, which has concerned a number of teams and left an estimated 450,000 individuals {dead}.
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Seek for footballer’s kidnapped father
Diaz’s mom, Cilenis Marulanda, was additionally taken by the abductors final month – however was rescued inside hours after police arrange roadblocks.
She was amongst members of the family who led a vigil final week pleading for her husband’s launch.
Diaz missed two Liverpool matches following the kidnapping however returned to training last Wednesday.
Following Sunday’s Premier League conflict in opposition to Luton, the 26-year-old issued a new passionate plea calling for his father’s launch – and in addition referred to as on “worldwide organisations to intervene”.
He added: “Each second, each minute our anguish grows; my mom, my brothers and I are determined, anguished and with out phrases to explain what we’re feeling.
“This struggling will solely finish when now we have him again house.”