The ELN, Colombia’s second largest left-wing rebel group, on Wednesday claimed to have released five hostages held captive since January 18 in north Colombia, local media reported.
The group reportedly stated that “the National Liberation Army [ELN] frees 5 of the [Canadian mining company] Geo Explorer [employees], held at Casa de Barro on January 18. Three Colombians and two Peruvians are released after giving them the charges against them at a trial that comes forward against the mining [company], in its passage through the South of Bolivar,” speaking in retaliation to the establishment of the mining company’s work in the North Colombian department.
Along with the South American hostages, was a Canadian known as Jernoc Wobert, whom the rebel group have yet to comment on.
BACKGROUND: ‘ELN’ kidnaps 3 foreigners, 2 Colombians in northern Colombia
The leftist guerrillas, thought to be numbered around 1,500, have also captured two supposed German tourists under the pretence that they are spies.
BACKGROUND: ELN kidnaps 2 Germans in northern Colombia
