Colombian football player Luis Díaz has been reunited with his dad, Luis Manuel Díaz, who was freed by rebels after keeping him hostage for 12 days.

Reunion Amid Tears:

The emotional reunion between the Liverpool striker’s father, Luis Manuel Díaz, and his family marked a poignant moment, as they shared tears and hugs for the first time following the harrowing kidnapping ordeal.

Outrage Over ELN Kidnapping:

The abduction of Luis Manuel Díaz by the National Liberation Army (ELN) sparked widespread outrage in Colombia and beyond. The ELN had kidnapped the 58-year-old and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, with a ransom demand.

Release and Police Intervention:

While the authorities closed in, the ELN swiftly released Cilenis Marulanda. However, they led Luis Manuel Díaz, an amateur football coach, into the nearby mountains at gunpoint.

ELN Leader Acknowledges Mistake:

The ELN leader admitted that the abduction of the popular coach was a “mistake.” Despite this, the group asserted that kidnappings for ransom do not violate the ceasefire agreement signed earlier in the year.

Release to UN and Catholic Church Officials:

Last Thursday, the guerrilla group released Luis Manuel Díaz to officials from the United Nations and the Catholic Church. The circumstances surrounding his release shed light on the complex dynamics of the situation and the involvement of international organizations in the resolution process.