The rebel group holding Liverpool footballer Luis Díaz’s father hostage has claimed that ongoing military operations in the region are delaying the release of their captive and putting him at risk.
Díaz’s father, Luis Manuel Díaz, was abducted along with his wife last week by the National Liberation Army of Colombia (ELN). Díaz’s mother was released shortly after, but her husband remains in captivity.
On November 2, the ELN announced their intention to release Díaz Sr. However, the group now claims that military action in the area makes it difficult and dangerous to carry out the release plan.
“The area is still militarized,” a statement from the ELN read. “They are carrying out flyovers, disembarking troops, broadcasting, and offering rewards as part of an intense search operation.”
The ELN has called for an end to military operations in the area so that they can safely release Díaz Sr. They have also urged international organizations to intervene and help facilitate the release.
Díaz himself has made a public plea for his father’s return. After scoring a late equalizer for Liverpool in a match on Sunday, he lifted his shirt to reveal a message that read “Libertad para Papa” (“Freedom for Dad”).
“I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father,” Díaz wrote on Instagram. “Every second, every minute, our anguish grows. This suffering will only end when we have him back home.”
The ELN is a left-wing guerrilla group fighting the Colombian government for over five decades. The group is known for its kidnappings and other acts of violence.
The Colombian government has condemned the kidnapping of Díaz Sr. and has called for his immediate release. However, the government has also said it will not negotiate with the ELN.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear when or if Díaz Sr. will be released.