18 uniformed personnel from the Eastern Specific Command of the Military Forces in Colombia were abducted while performing security duties for the upcoming elections scheduled for October 29.

The kidnapping took place in the rural area of San José del Guaviare, according to local forces.

Reports indicate that as the soldiers were patrolling the area on Saturday afternoon, they were surrounded by a group of local residents who demanded their withdrawal. However, authorities suspect that these residents may have been manipulated or coerced by local criminal groups linked to the dissident members of the Central General Staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

A statement released by the Military Forces described the incident as a riot, during which uniformed personnel faced verbal and physical attacks and were unlawfully detained, subsequently taken toward Puerto Cachicamo.

To address this alarming situation, an extraordinary security council was called, involving regional authorities, with the aim of devising coordinated actions to ensure the safe recovery of the kidnapped military personnel.

The Military Forces emphasized that they will take all necessary legal measures in response to the abduction. They also highlighted that the uniformed personnel had acted in accordance with International Human Rights Law and adhered to institutional principles and values despite the hostile situation they faced. (ILKHA)