The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In a shocking turn of events, the father of Liverpool footballer Luis Díaz has been kidnapped by left-wing rebels, according to the Colombian government. Luis Manuel Díaz, father of the 26-year-old forward, was reportedly seized at gunpoint alongside his wife in Barrancas. Initially, local police suspected the involvement of a criminal gang, but the national government has since pointed to the National Liberation Army (ELN) as the perpetrators of the abduction.
The Colombian authorities have wasted no time in responding to this distressing situation. Hundreds of army personnel have been mobilized in a bid to rescue Luis Díaz’s father. This development follows Luis Díaz’s own plea for help to secure his father’s release. The footballer broke his silence on the abduction by sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram.
Marulanda, Luis Díaz’s mother, was fortunate to be rescued in the same town where the kidnapping occurred. However, concerns persist regarding the whereabouts of Luis Manuel “Mane” Diaz, as it is feared he may have been taken across the border into neighboring Venezuela.
The Instagram post by Luis Díaz called for a march scheduled for October 31, urging participants to bring candles as a symbol of hope during these difficult times. The post received an outpouring of support and solidarity from fans and fellow footballers.
Colombian law enforcement and the military have taken on the formidable task of locating and rescuing Mane Diaz. President Gustavo Petro affirmed that “all the public forces” have been mobilized to track down the missing individual. Helicopters and drones have been deployed for surveillance, and roadblocks have been set up to aid in the search efforts. Police are also conducting searches in the Perija mountain range on the Venezuelan border.
Colombian Police Director General William Salamanca was seen visiting the operation to commend the personnel involved for their bravery and commitment to bringing Mane Diaz back safely. To further incentivize the search, a reward of 200 million pesos (equivalent to £40,000) has been offered for any information leading to the rescue of Mane Diaz. It is worth noting that no ransom demands have been made.
Colombia’s Attorney General, Francisco Barbosa, expressed concern that Luis Diaz’s father may have been taken across the border into Venezuela. In such a scenario, he called upon President Gustavo Petro to assist in securing the release of Mane Diaz.
Colombia’s football federation has joined the collective plea for the captors to release Luis Diaz’s father. As the search intensifies and the world watches, the hopes of many are focused on the safe return of Mane Diaz to his family.