Military operation launched to locate kidnapped father of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz

In a tense development, a significant military and law enforcement operation is currently underway in Colombia with the sole aim of locating the father of a prominent Liverpool forward, Luis Diaz, who was recently abducted, along with his spouse, near the border shared with Venezuela. The victims, Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda, were intercepted and seized at a petrol station by unidentified assailants on motorcycles in Barrancas, a city in the north of Colombia. Fortunately, Marulanda, Diaz's mother, was successfully rescued by law enforcement authorities later that night.

Police director William Salamanca, in a phone conversation with Diaz, pledged to allocate all available resources to secure the release of the footballer's father, who remains in the custody of the kidnappers. In the wake of this distressing incident, Liverpool left out Diaz, a 26-year-old football sensation, from their squad for the recent Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, and manager Jurgen Klopp dedicated their triumphant 3-0 victory to the Colombian international.

Responding to the crisis, Colombia's interior minister has swiftly deployed over a hundred troops to the mountainous region in the country's north. Additionally, they have reached out to Venezuelan authorities to reinforce border security measures. The army, in an official statement, has outlined their comprehensive strategy, which encompasses the establishment of roadblocks, the deployment of motorized platoons, and the utilization of helicopters and aircraft for aerial reconnaissance.


Colombia's attorney general, Francisco Barbosa, has expressed concerns that Diaz's father might be transported to Venezuela. In response, an investigative probe has been initiated to unveil the motives behind the kidnapping and to pinpoint the individuals responsible. Barbosa remarked, "We have information that he could, at some point, be in Venezuela. If he ends up crossing the border and he’s in Venezuela, we have to ask [Colombian] President Gustavo Petro... to assist us in securing the release of Luis Diaz’s father."

Colombia’s national police has also announced a substantial financial reward of $48,500 (£40,000) for anyone providing information leading to the safe rescue of the hostage.

In a poignant display of solidarity, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota celebrated the team's opening goal at Anfield by displaying a replica of Diaz’s No 7 shirt before the audience. Manager Jurgen Klopp disclosed the extraordinary challenges they faced in preparing for the game, stating, "The game preparation was the most challenging I’ve ever experienced in my life. I didn’t anticipate this, I was not prepared for it. I don’t intend to exaggerate the significance of the game, but clearly, we tried to extend our support to Luis through the effort we put in because we genuinely desire to be of assistance."

Klopp also recounted the late-night revelation of the situation and their subsequent conversation with Luis, who expressed his desire to return home. The manager emphasized their role as supporters without being disruptive, asserting, "We are, without a doubt, not the initial individuals to get involved, and we strive to acquire as much information as possible while being considerate of the key stakeholders there. Our aim is purely to provide support."

Liverpool, in an official statement, conveyed their heartfelt hope for a swift and secure resolution to this unsettling ordeal, emphasizing that the welfare of the player and his family remains their immediate priority.