Colombian Army Reports Abduction of 57 Soldiers in Restive Southwest

Over 50 Colombian soldiers were seized by civilians in the mountainous Micay Canyon region in the southwest, a hub for cocaine production and rebel activity. A platoon was first captured during an operation in El Tambo, followed by another group surrounded by 200 residents in El Plateado. The army confirmed 57 soldiers, including four officers, are being held. General Mejia called it a kidnapping by FARC dissidents who’ve infiltrated the community. President Gustavo Petro stressed the need for their release. Despite peace efforts, violence continues as armed groups fill the power vacuum left by the FARC, stalling negotiations and fueling unrest.