Highlights of the Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric​, Spokesman for Secretary-General António Guterres

COLOMBIA

The UN Verification Mission in Colombia has welcomed the liberation of 33 soldiers from the Colombian armed forces who had been held against their will by local residents of a community in southern Colombia for several days amid military operations against armed groups and illicit crops in the area.  The Colombia’s Minister of Defense thanked the Mission for its assistance in facilitating their release in the Department of Guaviare.  Citing excellent cooperation with authorities in support of the soldier's release, the Mission reiterated its continued commitment to the communities and institutions to achieve sustainable peace in the area.

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