French Foreign Legion soldier kidnapped in Colombia, army says

Colombia's army says a French-Colombian soldier in the French Foreign Legion was kidnapped on August 6 while travelling by road in the southwestern department of Narino.

A Colombian army report seen by AFP identified him as Jose Olger Melo Charry. Army Colonel Mauricio Osorio told Blu Radio on Thursday that Melo Charry holds the rank of corporal, joined the French army four years ago and was on leave in his native country.

The army report said the Estado Mayor Central, or EMC, is believed to be responsible. The faction is the main breakaway group from the FARC rebel army, which laid down arms under a 2016 peace deal. The report said Melo Charry was taken after the rebels realised he belonged to the French Foreign Legion.

Colombia's armed groups, mainly involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining, use kidnapping for extortion or to pressure authorities. President Abelardo de la Espriella has adopted a policy of confronting armed groups with help from the United States.