Colombia's Defense Minister confirmed today that 34 soldiers were abducted in El Retorno, Guaviare, following armed clashes with the dissident FARC group, known as the EMC. The confrontation reportedly resulted in the deaths of 11 rebels, including their commander, identified as "Dumar."
The armed civilians responsible for the abduction are linked to the EMC leader, "Mordisco." The EMC, which emerged from a faction of former FARC fighters who rejected the 2016 peace agreement, has been actively controlling drug trafficking corridors in the coca-rich region of Guaviare.
This incident represents a significant setback for President Gustavo Petro's "total peace" policy, aimed at resolving Colombia's long-standing conflict with illegal armed groups. The government's efforts to negotiate peace have faced increasing challenges amid ongoing violence and instability.
As previously reported, the situation in Guaviare underscores the complexities of re-establishing security in areas historically plagued by conflict. The government is under pressure to respond effectively to protect its military personnel and restore order in the region.
