Fact Check: 57 soldiers freed in Colombia after being held captive by locals.

Fact Check: "57 soldiers freed in Colombia after being held captive by locals."

What We Know

On June 22, 2025, the Colombian military reported that 57 soldiers had been freed after being held captive by locals in the Micay Canyon area of Colombia. The soldiers were initially seized during a military operation related to the arrest of a suspected member of the EMC (a dissident faction of the FARC rebel group) on June 21, 2025. According to the Colombian Defense Minister, Pedro Sánchez, the operation to free the soldiers, dubbed "Operation Justice," was executed without any shots fired, and resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals involved in the kidnapping (BBC, Reuters).

The soldiers were reportedly surrounded by a group of over 200 locals who were acting under pressure from the EMC, which has been known to exert control over the region due to its significance in cocaine production (BBC, Reuters). This incident is part of a broader context where local populations often feel threatened by military presence, which they associate with the disruption of their livelihoods tied to coca cultivation (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that 57 soldiers were freed after being held captive is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news outlets like the BBC and Reuters. Both outlets confirm the details of the kidnapping and subsequent rescue operation, providing a consistent narrative about the events. The Colombian military's characterization of the incident as a kidnapping aligns with the definitions of such acts under international law, particularly given the coercive circumstances under which the soldiers were detained (BBC, Reuters).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of reporting on Colombian affairs. However, it is important to note that the situation in Colombia is complex, with various armed groups and socio-economic factors influencing local dynamics. The EMC's involvement, as reported, suggests that the kidnapping was not merely a spontaneous act by locals but rather orchestrated under the influence of a larger conflict involving drug trafficking and armed rebellion (BBC, Reuters).

Conclusion

The claim that 57 soldiers were freed in Colombia after being held captive by locals is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources corroborates the details of the kidnapping and subsequent rescue operation, highlighting the involvement of local populations under duress from armed groups. The military's successful operation to free the soldiers without violence further supports the accuracy of the claim.