The Colombian Army conducted a successful rescue mission, dubbed "Operation Justice," to free 57 soldiers captured by locals in the Cauca region, known for its ties to the EMC rebel group involved in drug trafficking. The Colombian Defence Minister, Pedro Sánchez, confirmed that the operation was executed without any gunfire, despite the tensions escalating after a rebel arrest provoked local backlash.
The soldiers had been surrounded by over 100 locals after arresting a suspect linked to the EMC. In a surprising twist, another military unit was also captured the following day, indicating a growing trend of local resistance against military presence, which many in this coca-producing region see as a threat to their livelihood.
Previous incidents saw quicker negotiations, but this time the captors refused to communicate with intermediaries, prompting the army to act decisively, resulting in 20 arrests. The situation reflects the complex dynamics in Colombia, where armed groups threaten communities dependent on coca cultivation, complicating the nation’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and restore peace.
