Editor’s Note
This article describes a hostage situation at a Colombian emerald mine, which was resolved by authorities. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in certain mining regions.
For over 10 hours, around 71 workers at an emerald mine in the municipality of Maripí, Boyacá, were held hostage by armed individuals who entered with the aim of stealing the extracted material. The assault was thwarted by authorities, who managed to capture eight of those responsible.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Friday, December 12. Approximately 34 people dressed in black and armed entered through the mine’s eight entrances, where they detained 63 workers and eight security guards, apparently with the intention of taking several emeralds.
One of the guards managed to escape and went to the Sucre Battalion, where he reported what was happening. Consequently, an Army troop headed to the mine, where a rescue operation for the hostages was carried out throughout the night and into the early hours of Saturday.
Regarding this, the commander of the Boyacá Police, Fredy Yamid Barbosa, indicated that the operation took several hours, during which the GOES (Special Operations Group) also intervened. Together, they managed to gain control of the mine entrances and capture eight of those involved. The rest managed to flee the scene.
In addition, authorities indicated that several firearms were seized, including some long-range weapons, explosive material such as indugel bars, communication radios, items used in mining, and cartridges of different calibers. Therefore, authorities believe the individuals had a full plan to take a large haul.
Additionally, the Boyacá Police indicated they are searching for the 26 people who escaped in the western part of the department. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, assured that the Prosecutor’s Office is taking actions to identify them and determine if they acted in conjunction with gangs associated with emerald trafficking or illegal armed groups.