Fact Check: "57 soldiers freed in Colombia without a single shot fired"
What We Know
On June 23, 2023, the Colombian army successfully freed 57 soldiers who had been held captive by locals in the mountainous region of Cauca, Colombia. This operation, referred to as "Operation Justice," was confirmed by Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez, who stated that "not a single shot had been fired" during the rescue operation (BBC).
The soldiers were initially taken hostage after being surrounded by a large group of locals while attempting to airlift a suspected member of the EMC rebel group, which is known for its involvement in cocaine production and trafficking. The military reported that the locals acted under pressure from the EMC, which has a significant presence in the region (BBC).
The operation to rescue the soldiers involved the deployment of additional troops, and while 20 individuals were arrested during the operation, the rescue itself was conducted without any violence (Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that "57 soldiers were freed in Colombia without a single shot fired" is substantiated by multiple reliable news sources. The BBC and Reuters both reported the details of the operation, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the rescue. The Colombian Defence Minister's assertion that no shots were fired adds credibility to the claim, as it comes from an official source directly involved in the operation (BBC, Reuters).
The context surrounding the incident is also important. The Cauca region is known for its conflict involving various armed groups, including the EMC, which has been linked to the kidnapping of the soldiers. The fact that the locals were reportedly acting under the influence of the EMC adds a layer of complexity to the situation, but does not detract from the peaceful resolution of the rescue operation.
Both sources are reputable, with the BBC being a well-established international news organization and Reuters known for its accurate reporting. The information provided is consistent across these outlets, reinforcing the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "57 soldiers were freed in Colombia without a single shot fired" is accurate. The details provided by credible news sources confirm that the rescue operation was conducted peacefully, with no shots fired during the operation, as stated by the Colombian Defence Minister.
