Colombian Forces Rescue 57 Soldiers from Guerrilla Stronghold

Colombian military and police rescued 57 soldiers detained for two days by leftist guerrillas in a mountainous region in Cauca province. This area is critical for drug trafficking and is dominated by a FARC dissident faction that opposes the 2016 peace agreement, continuing recruitment of minors.

The Colombian military and police have successfully rescued 57 soldiers after a two-day detention in a mountainous region under guerrilla control. The incident occurred in Cauca province, a crucial area for drug trafficking.

This operation highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, where state forces have been actively working to dismantle illegal armed groups since October 2024.

Authorities report that a dissident faction of the former FARC guerrillas, which rejected the 2016 peace accord, is behind the soldiers' detention, recruiting minors and coercing civilians to oppose government forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)