Colombian military frees 39 people kidnapped by guerrillas

The Colombian military on Tuesday liberated 39 people who had earlier been kidnapped by the guerrilla group (ELN). ELN had captured the people on a highway in the remote Choco region where the armed group has a strong presence.

General Hugo Lopez posted on X that two soldiers had been killed in the operation to save them. The ELN funds itself through drug trafficking and other illegal activities which lies on the Pacific coast of Colombia bordering Panama, and often clashes with security forces.