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President De La Espriella rejects ELN exchange proposal for four hostages
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella has categorically rejected a proposal by the ELN guerrilla group to conduct a prisoner exchange for four hostages. The captives, who were seized on August 17, 2026, include three investigators from the Dijín (Criminal Investigation and Interpol Directorate)—Major Fredy Alexis Russi González, and Patrollers Erika Tatiana Monroy Hurtado and Edinson Yesid Medina Traslaviña—as well as a civilian, Angi Jácome.
The kidnapping occurred on the highway connecting Cúcuta and Ocaña in the Norte de Santander department. While the ELN confirmed the hostages are in good health and suggested a potential humanitarian exchange, the President stated, “The life and freedom of Colombians are not a bargaining chip,” and refused any negotiations.
In response to the situation, De La Espriella has ordered the immediate intensification of military and police operations to locate and rescue the victims. He emphasized that the government will utilize all legitimate operational capacities of the armed forces against the group's structures and leadership.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Angi Jácome · Cauca · Colombia · Dijín · ELN · Iván Mordisco · Jaime Martínez Structure · Los Piratas · Norte de Santander · Pan-American Highway · Popayán
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] President Abelardo De La Espriella rejected any prisoner exchange with the ELN. www.boyacadigital.com · www.cablenoticias.com · deultimominuto.com · larazon.co · mundour.com · +2 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The President ordered the intensification of military and police operations to rescue the hostages. www.boyacadigital.com · www.cablenoticias.com · larazon.co · diariodelhuila.com · www.minuto30.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The four hostages include Major Fredy Alexis Russi González, Patrollers Erika Tatiana Monroy Hurtado and Edinson Yesid Medina Traslaviña, and civilian Angi Jácome. www.boyacadigital.com · www.cablenoticias.com · deultimominuto.com · larazon.co · mundour.com · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The kidnapping occurred on August 17, 2026, on the road between Cúcuta and Ocaña in Norte de Santander. deultimominuto.com · mundour.com · diariodelhuila.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ELN proposed a potential humanitarian exchange to secure the release of the captives. deultimominuto.com · mundour.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ELN confirmed they are holding four people in good health. deultimominuto.com · mundour.com