Colombia’s ombudswoman says 33 troopers allegedly kidnapped beneath orders of a insurgent group are freed

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Thirty-three Colombian troopers allegedly taken by villagers appearing beneath the orders of a insurgent group had been freed after three days, the ombudswoman’s workplace mentioned Thursday.

Colombia’s Protection Ministry had mentioned that the troopers had been held since Monday within the southeastern province of Guaviare, following a gunfight that killed 10 members of a FARC holdout group.

Protection Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday mentioned the villagers holding the troopers captive had been demanding the return of a slain insurgent’s physique, which was transported to a morgue within the provincial capital. The military initially reported that 34 troopers had been held, however later lowered the quantity to 33.

Ombudswoman Iris Marín introduced the discharge on her X account. Her workplace was mediating with the group to safe the discharge.

Colombia has struggled to keep up safety in some rural areas, the place drug gangs and insurgent teams are combating over territory deserted by the FARC, the guerilla group that made peace with the federal government in 2016.