In a moment of immense relief and joy for Liverpool FC’s attacker, Luis Diaz, and his family, the Colombian Football Federation has officially confirmed the release of his father after a harrowing 12-day ordeal.
The news was swiftly shared by Liverpool on their official social media channels, expressing their delight and gratitude for the positive development.
Liverpool’s statement read:
We are delighted by the news of @LuisFDiaz19's father's safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release ❤️ https://t.co/oBp8Nw7lh9
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 9, 2023
The Herald recalls Manuel Diaz was abducted in the family’s hometown, Barrancas. The footballer’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was briefly taken captive but fortunately released shortly after.
On the day of the kidnap attack, the couple was accosted by the gunmen as they had stopped at a petrol station in Barrancas, in the northern province of La Guajira, BBC reports.
The kidnappers later abandoned Luis Díaz’s mother in a car as police closed in, but dragged away his father.
Police originally said that a criminal gang was most likely to blame.
But a government delegation involved in ongoing peace negotiations with a rebel group has revealed that they possess “official knowledge” regarding the identity of the perpetrators behind a kidnapping incident. According to the delegation, the act was carried out by a unit affiliated with the ELN, shedding light on the responsible party.
The ELN is Colombia’s main remaining active guerrilla group. It has been fighting the state since 1964 and has an estimated 2,500 members.