Colombia rescues eight hostages from ELN guerilla group
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Colombian authorities rescued eight people held hostage by the ELN guerilla group in a rural area of Norte de Santander department, within the Catatumbo region.
President Abelardo De La Espriella announced the rescue on September 15, 2026, stating that a joint operation involving the Army, Air Force, and National Police freed the hostages.
The rescue took place in the rural area of Convención, where the Army’s anti-extortion and kidnapping group moved quickly to secure the release of the eight Colombian citizens. De La Espriella shared a video on his social media account showing the released hostages wearing bulletproof vests alongside the military personnel involved in the operation. The Catatumbo region, located in northeastern Colombia, is an area with significant natural resources but also high poverty and limited development.
Several armed groups, including the ELN, former FARC dissidents, and the People’s Liberation Army, operate in the area, competing for control of coca crops and drug trafficking routes. De La Espriella affirmed his government will continue to pursue those who kidnap, extort, and terrorize Colombians.
