Colombia's Military Operation Rescues 57 Soldiers from Local Captors

Wed Oct 29 2025 04:10:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Rescue efforts by the Colombian army lead to the release of soldiers who were taken by local groups in the Cauca region.

In a notable military operation dubbed "Operation Justice," Colombian authorities successfully freed 57 soldiers held captive by locals in the mountainous Cauca region. The defense minister, Pedro Sánchez, confirmed that there were no casualties or shots fired during the operation. This incident unfolded shortly after the arrest of a suspected rebel from the EMC group, known for its involvement in cocaine production. The soldiers were reportedly surrounded by an agitated crowd after attempting to airlift the suspect. As negotiations broke down, additional military forces were deployed to resolve the situation, resulting in 20 arrests. With over 90% of the local population reliant on coca cultivation, tensions between security forces and locals continue to escalate, raising concerns about ongoing violence and extortion linked to armed groups in the region.

Concerns mount in ongoing conflict as Colombia's military successfully carries out operation amid local tensions.

Colombia's military faced a challenging scenario when 57 soldiers were captured by local groups in the Cauca region, leading to a decisive rescue operation. The incident highlights the complexities of ongoing violence in an area heavily impacted by drug trafficking and armed groups.