Ongoing Police and Military Investigation into the Kidnapping of Liverpool FC Player Luis Díaz's Father
The search is intensifying for the abducted father of Liverpool FC player Luis Díaz in Colombia, as police and military relentlessly pursue his kidnappers
A massive search operation is currently underway to locate the father of Liverpool FC player Luis Díaz, who was abducted in Colombia on Saturday. Cilenis Marulanda, Díaz's mother, was also kidnapped at the same time but was subsequently rescued in the town of Barrancas, as confirmed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro on the social media platform X.
General William René Salamanca Ramírez, the Director General of the Colombian National Police, announced that a search team comprised of 130 officers from multiple police departments is currently investigating the disappearance of Luis Manuel Díaz, the father of Díaz. The team is actively scouring the rural vicinity surrounding Barrancas, the hometown of the parents, located in northern Colombia. A generous reward of up to 200 million pesos ($48,500) will be provided to anyone who provides valuable information leading to the safe recovery of Díaz. This information was disclosed in an official statement published on X.
Colombia's Military Forces reported deploying over 120 personnel, including two motorized platoons, an unmanned aircraft, checkpoints, helicopters, and a specialized radar-equipped plane, to assist in the search efforts. National media outlets disclosed that armed individuals on motorcycles abducted Díaz's parents at a gas station in Barrancas.
Ramirez subsequently uploaded a video on X in which he shared his phone conversation with Diaz, elaborating on the land and air mission launched to locate his father.
CNN has contacted the Colombian National Police and Military Forces for their input.
Diogo Jota held up DÃaz's shirt after scoring on Sunday.
The Colombian national team implores the captors of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Luis Díaz, to release him immediately and unconditionally. In a resolute statement, they emphasize the unifying power of football, expressing solidarity and support for Lucho during this difficult time. Colombia stands firmly by his side.
Following Liverpool's impressive 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, head coach Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Díaz has returned to Colombia and assured that the club is providing him with all the necessary support. Diogo Jota, who plays alongside Díaz at Liverpool, displayed the Colombian's No. 7 jersey after scoring his goal during the match.
Klopp expressed his thoughts to reporters after the match, questioning how a football game could hold significant importance on a day like this. He further shared that he had never experienced such difficulty before, as the game had always been his refuge, his escape, allowing him to solely concentrate on the game for 90 minutes. However, on this occasion, it proved to be impossible.
"It was completely impossible to accomplish that. It became evident that we needed to add an additional layer of meaning to the game, and it was a battle for Lucho. Then, the boys brought out the shirt, and I honestly wasn't fully prepared for that. It was incredibly moving, yet also absolutely amazing."
