Liverpool

ELN call for "security guarantees" before freeing Luis Diaz's father

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 06 November 2023

The Colombian guerrilla group responsible for the kidnapping of Luis Diaz's parents call for "security guarantees" before releasing the Liverpool winger's father.

The Colombian guerrilla group responsible for the kidnapping of Luis Diaz's parents have called for "security guarantees" before freeing the Liverpool attacker's father.

On October 28, armed members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) abducted Diaz's parents in their hometown of Barrancas, although his mother was rescued shortly afterwards.

However, Luis Manuel Diaz has been at the mercy of his kidnappers for over a week, and the Liverpool winger has begged the faction to release his father without harm as soon as possible.

The 26-year-old made his return to the Reds' matchday squad on Sunday, coming off the bench to net an injury-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Luton Town after sitting out wins over Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

Reds head coach Jurgen Klopp left the decision on Diaz's availability up to him, but having had it confirmed to him that peace talks are heading in the right direction, the German welcomed his attacker back to the squad with open arms.

Liverpool's Diogo Jota holds up a Luis Diaz shirt after scoring their first goal on October 28, 2023 © Reuters

Diaz displayed a message of support for his father after heading home at Kenilworth Road, and the ELN announced last week that they would start the process to free Luis Manuel Diaz.

The Colombian government began a major military operation to free Diaz's parents from his captors once news of the kidnapping broke, and a reward of £40,000 has been offered for information leading to their rescue.

A new statement released by the ELN has blamed the wide-scale military activity for the delay to Luis Manuel Diaz's release, claiming that the risks to safety will be "increased" if such tactics continue.

However, the left-wing group have reaffirmed that they plan to free Diaz's father once "security guarantees" are received, saying: "We are making efforts to avoid incidents with government forces.

"The area is still militarised, they are carrying out flyovers, disembarking troops, broadcasting and offering rewards as part of an intense search operation.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz on October 21, 2023 © Reuters

"This situation is not allowing for the execution of the release plan quickly and safely, where Mr Luis Manuel Diaz is not at risk. If operations continue in the area, they will delay the release and increase the risks.

"We understand the anguish of the Diaz Marulanda family, to whom we say that we will keep our word to release him unilaterally, as soon as we have security guarantees for the development of the liberation operation."

Following the publication of the distressing new last weekend, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota raised Diaz's jersey after opening the scoring against Forest, drawing widespread applause from players and fans inside Anfield.

During his absence from the team, Diaz was advised not to travel back to South America out of fear for his safety and subsequently returned to Liverpool training a few days before Sunday's draw at Kenilworth Road.

Barring any significant developments which could impact his participation, the former Porto man is expected to be involved in Thursday's Europa League group-stage clash with Toulouse, where Liverpool could seal a top-two finish with a win.