Venezuela Denounces 'kidnapping' Of Eight Soldiers By Colombian Armed Groups
Muhammad Irfan Published May 16, 2021 | 08:40 AM
Caracas, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th May, 2021 ) :Venezuela on Saturday condemned what it said was the "kidnapping" of eight soldiers by armed groups operating on the Colombian border, where clashes have been ongoing for nearly two months.
"During the fighting, eight professional soldiers were captured and on May 9 we received proof of life," Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said in a televised statement.
"We denounce before the international community... the appalling kidnapping of these soldiers," he said.
Venezuela's armed forces have engaged in clashes with Colombian armed groups along the border since March 21, displacing thousands of civilians who fled to Colombia.
Venezuela does not name the armed groups it blames for the unrest, apart from calling them "terrorists" or linking them to drug trafficking or to Colombian President Ivan Duque.
However, security sources in Colombia say they are likely dissidents of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, an analysis Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has conceded was possible.
"We will spare no effort and we will exhaust all possible ways to recover them safe and sound," Padrino said of the soldiers, surrounded by members of the country's military brass.
Last Monday, Fundaredes, an NGO that is critical of Maduro, published documents from alleged FARC dissidents detailing how the eight soldiers were "captured as prisoners of war," in clashes with Venezuela.
In the documents, the dissidents appealed to the Red Cross to act as an intermediary for handing over the captives.
The Red Cross told AFP it was aware of the text, but would not comment on it at present.
According to Padrino, Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the Red Cross to "serve as a link in the delivery" of the soldiers.
"We have established the necessary contacts for an early release," he said.
A total of 16 members of the Venezuelan armed forces have died since the clashes began, according to an official report by the Venezuelan Ministry of Defense.
Venezuela and Colombia, which share a 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border, severed ties in January 2019, after Duque's government recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the leader of Venezuela over Maduro.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
20 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
20 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
5 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
6 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
6 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
6 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
12 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
13 days ago