The father of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz has been freed by his captors in Colombia – almost two weeks after being kidnapped.
Luis Manuel Diaz was released by guerrillas from the National Liberation Army (ELN), according to the Colombian FA, as reported by Sky news.
Local TV channels showed him at an airstrip after landing in a helicopter – and images of his family members crying with happiness.
Truthlive recalled that Diaz’s parents were abducted by armed men on motorcycles at a petrol station in the town of Barrancas, near Colombia’s border with Venezuela on 28 October.
Luis Diaz’s mother was rescued shortly after the abduction. Efforts, including special forces, patrols, and a reward of $48,000 (£39,000), were deployed to locate Mr. Diaz.
Despite initial hopes from the ELN stating the kidnapping was a mistake and ordering his release, military deployments temporarily disrupted these plans.
The Colombian military later shifted positions to facilitate Mr. Diaz’s freedom.
Negotiators in peace talks with the ELN celebrated his release but emphasized the kidnapping “should never have happened.”
The group further called for the liberation of all hostages held by the ELN, without specifying the remaining figure.