Joy as Colombian boy, 11, freed after 18 days in rebel captivity

A Colombian boy, just 11 years old, has been joyfully reunited with his family after being held captive for 18 long days. The boy was taken from his home in a rural area of Valle del Cauca province on May 3. Five armed men, who were wearing masks, broke into his house and kidnapped him along with a domestic worker. The worker was released shortly after, but the boy was kept in a remote location for nearly three weeks. His freedom was secured through negotiations involving Colombia's ombudsman's office, the Red Cross, and the Catholic Church. The boy's mother expressed her overwhelming relief and happiness upon seeing her son again, describing the experience of his abduction as a nightmare. In a photo released by the ombudsman's office, the boy can be seen wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, standing between two members of the negotiating team, who were instrumental in securing his release. The police reported that the kidnappers belonged to a group called the Frente Jaime Martínez, which is an offshoot of the Farc rebel group that continued its activities even after a peace agreement was signed in 2016. The boy's mother referred to his return as a miracle, emphasizing the horror of the weeks he spent in captivity. Many local residents were shocked by the kidnapping, as rebel groups in Colombia are known for forcibly recruiting children. The police revealed that the kidnappers were actually targeting the boy's stepfather, who was not at home at the time of the abduction. The stepfather, a local merchant, stated that he was not involved in any illegal activities and was unsure why he was targeted. It remains unclear whether a ransom was paid for the boy's release. The boy told his family that he had been shackled for the first four days of his captivity but was otherwise in good health. His mother noted that he seemed anxious and had bitten his fingernails down to the quick. After his release, he was taken to a local hospital for a check-up. The mayor of Jamundí, the town where the family lives, expressed gratitude to the community for their support and for organizing rallies to demand the boy's safe return. Colombia's vice-president, Francia Márquez, also called for the boy's freedom, stating that every life is sacred and that the freedom of any human being, especially a child, should never be compromised.