Search Intensifies for Luis Diaz’s Dad, Reward Offered After Kidnapping of Both Parents

The search for Luis Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz, who was kidnapped alongside his wife Cilenis Marulanda, has intensified in Colombia. While Marulanda has been rescued, the authorities are intensifying their efforts to find Diaz’s father. The operation now involves Colombia’s elite Jungle Commandos, a military special forces unit with training from the US and the UK’s Special Air Service. They are focusing on the Perija Mountains, along the Colombia-Venezuela border.

Colombia’s National Police director, William Rene Salamanca Ramirez, has stated that the information suggests the captors are still within Colombian territory. The search efforts continue in these challenging terrains. The Jungle Commandos are highly trained to operate in such conditions.

To ensure Diaz’s safety, he has been advised not to travel to Colombia during this ongoing search. A reward of £40,000 is being offered by the police for the safe return of Luis Diaz’s father.

Colombia’s football federation has also issued a statement urging the captors to release Luis Manuel Diaz without conditions, emphasizing the importance of peace in football.

Despite these trying circumstances, Diaz remains in the thoughts and prayers of his football community. He was not included in the Liverpool squad during their weekend victory against Nottingham Forest. Diogo Jota paid tribute to him by celebrating a goal with Diaz’s shirt.

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the team and expressed his support for Diaz and his family. Liverpool will be playing against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, but Diaz’s inclusion is uncertain as the search for his father continues.