French Foreign Legion soldier kidnapped in Colombia
French Foreign Legion serviceman José Holger Melo Charry was kidnapped in the department of Nariño in southwestern Colombia. According to the Colombian army, the French-Colombian was taken hostage on August 6 while traveling on a road in an area dominated by guerrillas.
Circumstances of the kidnapping
As France 24 reports, information about the kidnapping is contained in a Colombian army report seen by AFP. The report states that rebels captured Melo Charry after discovering his affiliation with the French Foreign Legion.
Colombian army Colonel Mauricio Osorio told Blu Radio that Melo Charry joined the French army four years ago and was on leave in his home country. According to Osorio, the serviceman holds the rank of corporal.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Suspected group
The Colombian army believes that the Estado Mayor Central, or EMC, group may be involved in the kidnapping. It is the largest faction that split from the former FARC rebel army, which laid down its weapons after the 2016 peace agreement.
According to France 24, the group accused of the kidnapping is likely led by Iván Mordisco, Colombia’s most wanted guerrilla. The country’s armed groups, which are mainly involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining, use kidnappings to extort money or pressure the authorities.
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