Colombian government rejects exchange with the ELN for people kidnapped in Norte de Santander
The President of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, has been categorical in ruling out any possibility of carrying out an exchange with the National Liberation Army (ELN) for the four people who have remained kidnapped since last August in the department of Norte de Santander. The president’s position reaffirms his administration’s policy regarding the actions of groups outside the law.
The situation involves Police Major Fredy Alexis Russi González, patrol officers Erika Tatiana Monroy Hurtado and Edinson Yesid Medina Traslaviña, members of the DIJIN, along with citizen Angi Jácome. The kidnapping took place on August 17, when they were intercepted by armed men while traveling in a private vehicle on the road connecting Cúcuta to Ocaña, near the municipality of Bucarasica.
Official stance: Freedom is non-negotiable
Through his official channels, President De la Espriella emphasized that the administration will not yield to the guerrilla’s demands. The president was clear in pointing out that the integrity and freedom of Colombian citizens are not subject to any type of negotiation.
There will be no exchange. The lives and freedom of Colombians are not up for negotiation.
Abelardo de la Espriella, President of Colombia
For its part, the ELN confirmed that it has the four citizens in its custody, claiming that they are in good health. In a statement, the armed group attempted to justify the detention by linking the uniformed personnel to alleged criminal activities, versions that lack judicial support and are part of the insurgent organization’s rhetoric.
Search and regional security operations
The head of state confirmed that the Public Force’s operations will be maintained and intensified in the Catatumbo area. The main objective remains the location and rescue of the victims, as well as the capture of those materially and intellectually responsible for the act.
- The Government assures that it will respond to the actions of armed groups within the constitutional framework.
- The Catatumbo region is facing a complex public order situation due to the territorial dispute between the ELN and FARC dissidents.
- Recently, authorities managed to rescue eight people who had been held captive for the last two years in the same region.
This case highlights the security challenges facing the region, where various armed groups maintain a constant struggle for control of strategic routes and illicit activities. The Colombian government maintains the order to deploy all institutional capabilities to guarantee the safe return of those held.
