ELN confirms kidnapping of ambulance driver in Tibú

The National Liberation Army (ELN) has confirmed the kidnapping of Jayson Bonilla, an ambulance driver for ESE Norte, who was intercepted on September 10 in the rural area of Tibú, Norte de Santander. The guerrilla group released a video as proof of his survival.

In the footage, Bonilla claims he was coerced into using the ambulance to transport packages for the FARC dissidents' 33rd Front. He stated that he was initially threatened with harm to his family and later received payments for transporting these items from Cúcuta to Tibú. While he suspected the packages contained ammunition, money, or drones, he maintained that he did not know the exact contents.

The incident has sparked concern among health sector organizations. Arístides Hernández, president of Asintraser Salud Norte, highlighted the risks medical workers face due to armed conflict dynamics. Additionally, the Defensoría del Pueblo has demanded Bonilla's immediate release, calling for the respect of his life and physical integrity.