The rebel group holding Luis Diaz‘s father hostage has requested “security guarantees” before releasing him.
The National Liberation Army (ELN) expressed concerns that the ongoing military and police search may delay the release and raise the risks.
Luis Manuel Diaz was abducted at gunpoint along with his wife in Barrancas, Colombia on October 28.
Liverpool’s Diaz has made a heartfelt appeal to the kidnappers to release his father without delay, bringing an end to the agonizing period of waiting.
Following the abduction, his mother was left stranded in a car as police closed in, while his father was held hostage.
In his first match since his parents’ kidnapping, Colombia’s Diaz made a significant impact by coming off the bench and securing a crucial point for Liverpool with a stoppage-time goal at Luton Town on Sunday.
The ELN has reaffirmed its commitment to releasing Diaz’s father “as soon as possible.”
However, in a statement signed by Commander Jose Manuel Martinez Quiroz, the group mentioned that the Colombian authorities’ extensive search efforts were currently impeding the release process.
“We are making efforts to avoid incidents with government forces,” the ELN said. “The area is still militarised, they are carrying out flyovers, disembarking troops, broadcasting, and offering rewards as part of an intense search operation.”
“This situation is not allowing for the execution of the release plan quickly and safely, where Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz is not at risk.”
“If operations continue in the area, they will delay the release and increase the risks.”
“We understand the anguish of the Diaz Marulanda family, to whom we say that we will keep our word to release him unilaterally, as soon as we have security guarantees for the development of the liberation operation.”
Both of Diaz’s parents were abducted at gunpoint in his hometown of Barrancas, located in the northern province of La Guajira, by left-wing guerrillas belonging to the ELN.
While his mother was located later on the same day, his father is still unaccounted for, prompting the Colombian government to mobilize a significant contingent of police and soldiers in the search operation.
Diaz, aged 26, had been absent from Liverpool’s lineup since their Europa League victory against Toulouse on October 26. However, he made his return to the squad for Sunday’s Premier League match against Luton.
Following his crucial equalizing goal, Diaz raised his shirt to reveal a message advocating for “freedom for Papa.” He subsequently issued a statement, urging the release of his father.
“I beg that they free him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait. In the name of love and compassion we ask they reconsider their actions and allow us to have him back,” Diaz said.