Colombia Accuses National Liberation Army of Kidnapping Liverpool Player Diaz's Father

The Colombian government accused armed members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) on Thursday of kidnapping the father of Liverpool player Luis Diaz earlier this week. This incident could threaten the ongoing peace talks between the ELN and the government, which resumed last year. Government negotiation team leader Otty Patino stated, "We remind the ELN that kidnapping is a criminal act that violates international humanitarian law, and their duty in building the peace process is not only to stop these incidents but to completely eradicate them." An ELN spokesman said, "We are investigating the matter." Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated late on Saturday that Diaz's mother had been rescued after being kidnapped in northern Colombia, while authorities are still searching for his father. Patino demanded, "We call on the ELN to release Luis Manuel Diaz immediately and remind them of their duty to protect his life and ensure his safety."