World News
Colombian Rebel Group Claims Kidnapped French Foreign Legion Soldier Is Alive
Dissidents from Colombia's former FARC guerrillas released a statement regarding a captured soldier held since August 6.
The short version
- The Central General Staff (EMC), a splinter group of Colombia's former FARC rebels, claimed responsibility for kidnapping Jose Olger Melo Charry on August 6.
- Melo Charry is a Colombian national serving in the French Foreign Legion who was abducted while on leave in the southwest department of Nariño.
- The EMC stated in a French-language message that Melo Charry is in good health and receiving medical care, while the French Ministry of Defense said it is monitoring the case closely.
Key facts
- Jose Olger Melo Charry, a Colombian national and French Foreign Legion soldier on leave, was abducted on August 6 in the department of Nariño, Colombia.[France 24]
- The Central General Staff (EMC), the primary breakaway faction of the former FARC guerrilla army, claimed responsibility for the abduction.[France 24]
- A woman traveling with Melo Charry was briefly detained alongside him on August 6 but was released hours later.[France 24]
- The EMC stated that Melo Charry is alive, in good health, and receiving medical care and food.[France 24]
- The French Ministry of Defense confirmed Melo Charry's identity and status as a Foreign Legion soldier, stating that it is closely monitoring the situation.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- Independent verification of Melo Charry's current health status and conditions of detention has not been confirmed beyond the EMC rebel group's claims.[France 24]