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    Stoke City appoint Steven Schumacher as manager after missing out on former Chelsea boss

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    STOKE have poached Steven Schumacher from fellow Championship strugglers Plymouth as boss – after missing out on Graham Potter.Schumacher, 39, succeeds the sacked Alex Neil with a 3.5-year contract.
    Steven Schumacher has switched League One champs Plymouth for StokeCredit: Rex
    The former Bury and Bradford midfielder took Argyle up as League One champions last season with 101 points in his second campaign in charge.
    Stoke had been linked with former Chelsea chief Potter.
    But that always seemed optimistic, especially as incoming Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a big fan of the ex- Brighton manager.
    Instead, Schumacher comes into the Potters, despite old club Plymouth sitting three points and three points above Stoke in the second tier.
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    City are winless for eight games, which means they are also just three points and three positions above the drop zone.
    Schumacher said he was “attracted” to Stoke by “its history and everything it represents”.
    The Liverpudlian told the club’s website: “The values that resonate with me for a Stoke City team are bravery and hard work, coupled with a desire to play attacking football and be a team our supporters can connect with.
    “We have the players to do that and, if we can get back to a point where the Bet365 Stadium is thought of as a tough venue to visit, we can really get it rocking again.”
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    Stoke dismissed 42-year-old Neil last week after just six victories in 20 Championship games this term.
    The Scot left Sunderland to take over at the Bet365 in August 2022, with the Potters finishing 16th last season.
    Expectations were higher for this campaign – following a massive summer transfer shake-up.
    But Stoke were a dismal 20th when the axe fell on Neil. More

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      I’m a hostage expert – making deal to release Luis Diaz’s dad can be done in HOURS…but getting him out is dangerous part

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      A DEAL to save Luis Diaz’s dad could be done in hours – but rescuing him from the kidnappers will be the most dangerous part, a hostage negotiator has warned.Notorious Colombian guerrilla group ELN or National Liberation Army confirmed on Thursday that the group was behind the abduction of the Liverpool star’s dad, Luis Manuel Diaz.
      Luis Diaz’s dad was snatched by a group of gunmen in Colombia
      The Liverpool star’s dad is expected to be released soonCredit: AFP
      Hostage negotiator Scott Walker thinks the rescue operation could be complicated

      And while the guerrilla group has offered fresh hope, promising to free Mr Diaz within hours, a hostage negotiator who has worked in South America says the release of a hostage is the most complicated part of the process.
      Due to the high-profile nature of the kidnapping, ex-Scotland Yard officer Scott Walker believes a deal might be struck soon.
      He believes the peace delegation of the government negotiating with the ELN will want to resolve this “as soon as possible”.
      But Walker said the “recovery and release” of Mr Diaz can be the most dangerous part of the operation.
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      He told The Sun: “Reaching an agreement is not the same as a safe release and recovery.
      “Recovery and release can be the most dangerous as people relax and drop their guard. Yet it’s not over until the hostages are safely back.
      “The Colombian government will want this resolved as quickly and as safely as possible which is why theyre throwing lots of resources at it.
      “The negotiators who engage with the ELN anyway about the peace process will be negotiating for the release of Diaz’s father as part of that as well.”
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      It’s believed a woman known only as Patricia, the leader of one of the regional units of the rebel group, was responsible for orchestrating the abduction.
      A senior Northern War Front member known only as Mateo is said to be holding the 58-year-old hostage with foot soldiers under Patricia’s orders.
      Scott explained that the goal of kidnappers is usually to get “as much money as they can as quickly as they can”.
      But with infamous groups such as the ELN and Farc, there is often “some political concession or some political question” involved, he said.
      The Colombian government is currently engaged in peace talks with ELN and there is a six- months ceasefire.
      “Clearly this guerilla group they are looking somehow to put pressure on those peace talks and increase concessions or even sabotage them,” Walker said.
      Diaz’s father was kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in Barrancas, La Guajira.
      The Liverpool star’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda was also snatched- but was later found in Barrancas.
      Authorities in Colombia have launched a massive police operation to locate the winger’s missing dad and even sniffer dogs were brought in to join the rescue efforts.
      The country’s army has already been joined by an elite police anti-drugs commando squad specialising in complex jungle operations to find the 58-year-old.
      Colombian cops believe the lair of the kidnapping gang is located in the inhospitable jungle terrain of the Perija Mountains near the Venezuelan border.
      Scott believes there is a possibility that the footballer’s dad has been taken across the border to Venezuela – which could make his release even more complicated.
      “The borders at that part of the world are pretty porous so it is a possibility he may be taken over to Venezuela,” he said.
      “It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened and it would obviously make any rescue attempt more difficult if it’s across the border.”
      He explained that even though threats of torture or even murder are commonplace tactics for guerrilla groups, he is confident Luis Diaz’s dad is being treated well.
      He said: “In the vast majority of cases the hostages will be reasonably looked after because it is in the hostage takers interest to do so because it helps with their bargaining power and people arent going to pay a ransome for a corpse.
      “Threats are a commonplace in kidnappings because it puts pressure on the family or the company to pay ransom or give concessions- it’s a standard tactic.”
      Colombian President Gustavo Petro has revealed he has spoken to Diaz personally to reassure him about the government’s efforts to free his dad.
      He said on his official X account: “We have spoken with Luis Diaz yesterday. We are working for the liberation of his father.”
      Earlier this week, Diaz urged his Instagram followers to “march for the release of Mane Diaz”.
      ELN is notorious for massacres and kidnappings is aligned with the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
      Farc launched its guerrilla war against the Colombian government in 1964, after a peasant uprising that was crushed by the army.
      Over the decades, the conflict drew in several leftist rebel groups, right-wing paramilitaries and drug gangs.
      The Marxist-Leninist group, which in Colombia is called the ELN, was founded in 1964 by radical Catholics inspired by Cuba’s communist revolution.
      It was behind a car bombing in January 2019 at a police academy in Bogota which killed 21 people and injured 68 others, making it one of the deadliest attacks ever in the Colombian capital.
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      Peace talks have been going on between the ELN and the Colombian government since March 2020 when the guerrilla group declared a unilateral ceasefire during the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
      Scott is the author of the Order Out of Chaos: How to become a World-Class Communicator and Win Every Negotiation.
      A massive police operation is underway to locate the star’s dadCredit: Rex
      A guerrilla fighter known only as Patricia is suspected of being behind the man’s abductionCredit: Suministrada
      People march during a demonstration for the footballer’s dadCredit: AP More

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      Luis Diaz dad’s kidnapper named as female guerrilla boss ‘Patricia’ …as ELN terrorists say he could be freed ‘in hours’

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      A FEMALE guerrilla fighter known only as Patricia has been named as the mastermind behind the kidnap of Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s dad, it was claimed today.ELN rebels yesterday claimed responsibility for the snatching and offered a glimpse of hope saying Luis Manuel Diaz will be freed “in hours”.
      A female guerrilla fighter known as Patricia could be the one behind the horror kidnappingCredit: Suministrada
      The Liverpool star’s parents were both kidnapped in Barrancas on SaturdayCredit: Supplied
      Authorities have launched a massive search for the Diaz’s missing dad
      “We must recognise the situation you have heard in the news is true and the ELN is going to free Mr Diaz’s father as soon as possible,” ELN representative Juan Carlos Cuellar said.
      Earlier on Thursday, the government’s peace delegation charged with negotiating with the ELN called for Diaz’s father to be released immediately.
      “We remind the ELN that kidnapping is criminal, violates international humanitarian law and that its duty in building the peace process is not just to stop [kidnapping] but to eliminate it forever,” Otty Patino, head of the government’s peace delegation, said in a statement.
      The left-wing guerrilla group has a decades-long history of terror – carrying out military-style assassinations, extortion operations and kidnappings.
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      Colombian newspapers are now reporting the ELN’s so-called Northern War Front, led by the 40-year-old who uses the alias Patricia, carried out Saturday’s kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz.
      The veteran insurgent is said to have spent more than half her life at war with the Colombian government.
      She has been identified as the leader of one of the regional units of the left-wing rebel group which has now admitted responsibility for the abduction after being blamed by officials yesterday.
      A senior Northern War Front member known only as Mateo is said to be holding the 58-year-old hostage with foot soldiers under Patricia’s orders.
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      The ELN, branded a terrorist organisation by the US government and the EU, has claimed it wasn’t aware one of its factions was behind the crime and promised late yesterday Luis’s dad would be released within hours.
      But despite social media speculation a release has already occurred, there has been no official confirmation and critics are branding the ELN claim as “scarcely credible”.
      A quick release might be an option as the Northern War Front currently have a representative at peace talks between the ELN and the government.
      During his negotiations with ELN, Bernardo Tellez said the insurgents have no real desire to free Luis Diaz’s father unless they get paid lots of money to do so.
      A release could also be on the table if the group’s leaders lose control over their regional units – either due to ELN infighting or if the Colombian government succeeds in ceasefire negotiations with the group.
      It comes as President Gustavo Petro promised to bring “total peace to Colombia” by negotiating directly with the country’s armed groups, Al Jazeera reports.
      Not much information has emerged about Patricia, apart from a grainy photo of her in military fatigues.
      She reportedly began her guerrilla career in 2006, rising through the ranks of the ELN to become leader of the December 6 Front and later a senior member of the Northern War Front.
      Patricia is said to have spent 26 years fighting for the violent guerrilla organisation which finances itself from criminal practices including extortion and kidnapping.
      The ELN operates as a federation with regional units enjoying high levels of autonomy.
      The group often implements different strategies according to their local needs.
      Colombian President Gustavo Petro has revealed he has spoken to Luis Diaz personally to reassure him about the government’s efforts to free his dad.
      The Liverpool star spoke to the director of Colombia’s National Police force shortly after Luis Manuel Diaz was kidnapped on Saturday.
      William Rene Salamanca Ramirez told the anguished striker every effort was being made to find the missing 58-year-old.
      Yesterday evening, after the Colombian government confirmed the ELN was behind the kidnap, Mr Petro confirmed he had spoken to the footballer.
      He said on his official X account: “We have spoken with Luis Diaz yesterday.
      “We are working for the liberation of his father.”
      Luis’s relatives prayed for his dad’s safe return at a church near their home overnight.
      The father-of-four and his wife Cilenis Marulanda were kidnapped on Saturday afternoon at a petrol station in his their home town of Barrancas in the region of La Guajira near Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
      Cilenis was abandoned by her captors hours later by the roadside as the police and army hunt for them intensified and reunited with her anguished family.
      An elite police commando squad is focusing its search for Luis Diaz’s dad on the inhospitable Perija Mountains on Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
      Two sniffer dogs called Laticha and Tekila have also been brought in to help.
      A reward of up to £40,000 has been offered by the authorities for information.
      Colombia’s police chief said earlier this week he believed Luis Manuel Diaz’s captors remained in the country and had not fled across the border to Venezuela as first feared.
      On Tuesday afternoon relatives, friends and well-wishers took to the streets of Barrancas to demand his liberation.
      The march began at 5pm local time and finished at the home of Luis Diaz’s parents.
      Locals started decking out shopfronts with white balloons ahead of the protest and preparing banners which read: ‘No Al Secuestro’ and Liberenlo Ya’ – which would translate into English as ‘No To Kidnap’ and ‘Free him now.’
      One local shopkeeper speaking ahead of the street demo said: “We are asking for the swift release of Mane Diaz, the father of Luis Diaz.
      “We want him to return to Barrancas. He needs to return to his family.”
      In a direct message to the captors, he added: “Please, free him. He’s done nothing wrong.”
      In an official statement attributing the kidnapping to the ELN, the Colombian government delegation taking part in the peace talks said yesterday: “We have today been made aware the kidnap carried out on October 28 in Barrancas in the La Guajira region, which Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda the mother and father of football player Luis Fernando Diaz Marulanda were victims of, was perpetrated by a unit belonging to the ELN.
      “Despite Mrs Marulanda being freed hours later, the player’s father has now been kidnapped for five days.
      “As the government delegation for the peace talks with the ELN, we express our solidarity with Luis Diaz, his relatives, with the whole country and with the millions of fans of the footballer.
      “We demand the ELN frees Mr Luis Manuel Diaz immediately and we make it clear here that it is their sole responsibility to guarantee his life and integrity.
      “We remind the ELN that kidnap is a criminal practice which violates International Humanitarian Law and that in the current peace talks process, it is their responsibility not only to stop committing this crime but also to eliminate it for ever.”
      The abduction of civilians has been a traditional practice of the ELN.
      In January 2018 the rebel group kidnapped an oil engineer in the north of Colombia.
      He was named at the time as 41-year-old Andres Riano Ravelo.
      Two Dutch journalists were kidnapped by the group in June 2017, the Colombian military said.
      The ELN said in June when it agreed a ceasefire with the government that it would continue with the twin crimes of kidnapping and extortion “where necessary,” describing them as being essential to the group’s “finances.”
      A negotiator for the group said at the time: “We don’t talk about kidnap, we talk about retentions. If they are not necessary they won’t happen.”
      The Marxist-Leninist ELN, or National Liberation Army in English, was founded in 1964 by radical Catholics inspired by Cuba’s communist revolution.
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      It was behind a car bombing in January 2019 at a police academy in Bogota which killed 21 people and injured 68 others, making it one of the deadliest attacks ever in the Colombian capital.
      Peace talks have been going on between the ELN and the Colombian government since March 2020 when the guerrilla group declared its unilateral ceasefire.

      A sign asking for the release of the father of Liverpool’s Colombian forward Luis Diaz in Barrancas, ColombiaCredit: AFP
      The winger’s dad was kidnapped on Saturday by armed men at a gas station in his hometown of BarrancasCredit: AFP More

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      Sniffer dogs brought in as hunt for Luis Diaz’s dad closes in on gang’s jungle lair after Liverpool star breaks silence

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      SNIFFER dogs have been brought in by Colombian police as they close in on the location of Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad.Colombian authorities believe the lair of the kidnapping gang is located in the inhospitable jungle terrain of the Perija Mountains near the Venezuelan border.
      Cilenis Marulanda (left), mother of Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, demonstrates for her kidnapped husband in Barrancas, ColombiaCredit: AFP
      Police have brought in sniffer dogs to join the hunt for Luis Manuel Diaz in the Colombian jungleCredit: EPA
      Colombian authorities believe the lair of the kidnapping gang is located in the inhospitable jungle terrain of the Perija Mountains near the Venezuelan borderCredit: AFP
      Liverpool forward Luis Diaz has broken his silence following the kidnapping of his parents on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Colombian police are confident that Diaz’s father and his captors are still in the country
      Two German Shepherd dogs called Laticha and Tekila have now joined the hunt and Colombian police chiefs say more will be introduced as they close in on Luis Manuel Diaz’s captors.
      The dogs are said to have been trained in detecting the smell of clothes, suggesting they have already been exposed to the scent of Diaz’s father.
      The country’s army have already been joined by an elite police anti-drugs commando squad specialising in complex jungle operations to find the 58-year-old.
      Now, Colombian National Police director William Rene Salamanca Ramirez has confirmed that sniffer dogs have joined the search.
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      He said: “There are two dogs with their guides.
      “Tekila and Leticha join the search to extend the capabilities the government has established with the police and military to locate the father of Luis Diaz.
      “We are initiating this activity now and more dogs will come to help us in this search.”
      He added: “These dogs have participated in important rescue operations in several places, including the jungle. That’s why they’re here.”
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      Local media are reporting police intelligence experts have identified seven key sites as part of an operation to stop the captors reaching Venezuela with their hostage.
      It is understood the hunt is focusing on the banks of rivers and streams in the inhospitable Perija Mountains – on the basis the gang need to be near water to survive.
      Fears had been mounting after Saturday’s kidnap, in which Diaz’s mum Cilenis Marulanda was also abducted before being rescued hours later, that the criminal gang had already reached Venezuela.
      But yesterday, General Salamanca said he was confident they were still in Colombia after choppering in elite counter-narcotics commanders to hunt them down.
      He insisted: “The information we have is that they are still in Colombian territory but the search is continuing.”
      Local reports say Luis Manuel’s captors are believed to be on foot, having dumped the motorbikes they used to evade capture on Saturday.
      A reward of up to 200million Colombian pesos, around £40,000, has been offered by the authorities for any information.
      On Tuesday afternoon, relatives, friends and well-wishers took to the streets of Barrancas, in the border region of La Guajira, to demand the liberation of “Mane”.
      It prompted Liverpool forward Diaz, who has been advised to stay in England, to break his public silence following Saturday’s kidnap of his parents.
      In a social media post, Diaz urged people to join the march shortly before it started.
      Alongside a picture of promotional poster, he said: “Take your candle to ignite the light of hope.”
      The march began at 5pm local time and finished at the home of Diaz’s parents.
      Locals decked out shopfronts with white balloons and prepared banners ahead of the protest.
      They read: “No Al Secuestro” and “Liberenlo Ya” – “No To Kidnap” and “Free Him Now”.
      Many children took part in the march holding up white balloons and wearing Colombian tops with Luis Diaz’s name and shirt number on it.
      A local armed with a loudspeaker asked the crowd of protestors: “What does Barrancas demand for Mane Diaz?”.
      He received the rapturous reply: “Libertad, Libertad, Libertad” (Freedom, Freedom, Freedom).
      Human Rights’ officials in Colombia have also urged the kidnappers to use their “humanitarian channels” to facilitate the swift release of Diaz’s father.
      The country’s Ombudsman Carlos Camargo called on the captors to respect his “integrity and life” as he begged them to contact regional assistants to find a way to resolve the dramatic situation.
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      “We reiterate the call to the captors of the father of our beloved soccer player ‘Lucho’ Díaz: respect his integrity and life'” Mr Camargo said.
      “We also make another call to you: contact our regional human rights’ defence teams to find a route that permits his prompt release, safe and sound.”
      Both of Diaz’s parents were kidnapped on Saturday but his mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued shortly afterCredit: Supplied
      Gabriel Diaz, Luis Diaz’s uncle, participates in a sit-in with friends, family and locals asking for the release of his kidnapped brother in Barrancas, Colombia, on TuesdayCredit: EPA
      The protest march began at 5pm local time and finished at the home of Diaz’s parentsCredit: EPA
      Locals decked out shopfronts with white balloons and prepared banners ahead of the protestCredit: AFP More

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      Luis Diaz breaks his silence after dad kidnapped by gang as cops ‘close net’ on suspects & potential location revealed

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      LUIS Diaz has broken his silence after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia last week, while his dad remains missing.The Liverpool star took to Instagram and urged his followers to “march for the release of Mane Diaz”.
      Luis Diaz took to Instagram to ask his followers to join the march for the release of his dad
      The Liverpool star’s parents were kidnapped in Colombia last weekCredit: Supplied
      The post explained to followers that the “whole community” was invited to “bring your candle to light the light of hope” as he urged his father’s captors to “release him now”.
      Diaz’s parents were kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in their hometown of Barrancas, La Guajira, in the country’s northern region.
      The player’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was later rescued after being found in Barrancas on Saturday, but her husband is yet to be found.
      Yesterday, Colombia’s attorney general, Francisco Barbosa revealed Luis Manuel Diaz’s potential location and confirmed it is possible the winger’s father could be taken to Venezuela.
      READ MORE ON LUIS DIAZ
      He told reporters: “We have information that he could, at some point, be in Venezuela.
      “If he ends up crossing the border and he’s in Venezuela, we have to ask [Colombia] President Gustavo Petro… to help us with freeing Luis Diaz’s father.”
      The Attorney General added that he had contacted Diaz twice to provide the 26-year-old with updates on the investigation.
      Colombia President Gustavo Petro said “all the public forces have been deployed” to find Diaz’s father.
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      The police, alongside the Colombian military, were immediately mobilised as a full-scale operation to recover the pair was put in place on Saturday.
      In a statement, the army said it had set up roadblocks and deployed two motorised platoons, unmanned aircraft, helicopters, and a plane with radar in the search for his father.
      On Sunday, the director of the National Police, General William Rene Salamanca, announced a reward of “up to 200m pesos” (about £40,000) for any information that leads to the rescue of Diaz’s father.
      The Colombia Football Federation also issued a statement to the captors.
      It read: “We ask the captors of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Luis F. Diaz, to release him immediately, without conditions. Football is peace. Luis, we are with you. Colombia is with you.”
      Colombian authorities have provided a major update in the search for the dad of Liverpool forward Luis DiazCredit: Rex More

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      Cops hunting for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad offer reward as elite commandos drafted in to scour jungle

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      COPS hunting for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s dad have offered a reward as the search to find the kidnapped parent continues.A reward of up to £40,000 has been offered by Colombian authorities for information as elite commandos scour the jungle in search for answers.
      Colombian authorities issued a £40,000 reward to help find Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped fatherCredit: AFP
      Colombia’s elite Jungle Commandos are scouring the jungle in the Venezuelan borderCredit: Instagram / policiadecolombia
      Soldiers are simultaneously patrolling the area on foot by following road routes heading to VenezuelaCredit: Instagram / policiadecolombia
      Diaz’s parents were kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in their home town of Barrancas, La Guajira, in Colombia’s northern region.
      Colombia’s top police chief says he is confident the captors are still in the country amid fears that the kidnappers had managed to smuggle the winger’s dad into Venezuela.
      But Colombia’s National Police director William Salamanca Ramirez insisted “the information we have is that they are still in Colombian territory but the search is continuing.”
      Luiz Manuel Diaz’s captors are on foot after dumping the motorbikes they used to evade capture, local media reported.
      More on the Diaz kidnapping
      The Liverpool player’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was later rescued after being found in Barrancas on Saturday, but her husband is yet to be found.
      It is understood that arrest warrants have been issued for several suspects after cops identified four of them.
      Colombia President Gustavo Petro said “all the public forces have been deployed” to find Diaz’s father.
      That includes two motorised platoons, unmanned aircraft, helicopters and a plane with radar in a full-scale search.
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      The country’s elite Jungle Commandos have been focusing on the Perija Mountains straddling the Colombian-Venezuelan border, which is covered by cloud forest.
      General Salamanca told local media late yesterday: “These men can be in areas like this for a fortnight with just one field ration.
      “They are trained and prepared for that.”
      Colombian Army soldiers are simultaneously patrolling the area on foot by following road routes heading to Venezuela.
      Colonel Giovanni Montanez said: “We are closing off roads in accordance with military intelligence and carrying out searches.”
      Locals in Barrancas are due to stage a protest march to demand the liberation of the footballer’s dad later today.
      Some of his relatives are expected to lead the march, but it was not clear if his mum would be taking part.
      It comes after the Liverpool winger, 26, was urged not to head back to his homeland amid safety concerns, the Mirror reports.
      Overnight, Luis Manuel Diaz’s relative Asmiris Brito said God was accompanying him.
      “God is with him, accompanying him, that’s the hope we have, that he returns safe and well,” he told local media.
      Alejandro Zapata, deputy director of Colombia’s National Police, indicated yesterday they were closing the net on the kidnap gang, but was not in a position to name names.
      He said, before reports of the arrest warrants emerged, that he wasn’t in a position to name names.
      But he said investigators were “clear about people who could be linked” to Saturday’s abduction of Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda in their home town of Barrancas.
      Read More on The Sun
      Mr Zapata confirmed investigators were treating the kidnap as a “premeditated crime” which had been meticulously planned.
      He added: “When something like this happens, it is generally not spontaneous and there has been previous planning, people that draw people to a certain place, that is, who place them somewhere so that others arrive and that’s what we are investigating.”
      Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was also taken but was later rescued after being found in the city of Barrancas the same nightCredit: Supplied
      The Liverpool winger, 26, was reportedly urged not to head back home for safety reasonsCredit: PA More

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      Major update in hunt for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad as potential location revealed after ‘bloody gunfight’

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      A MAJOR update in the search for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad has emerged as Colombian authorities reveal his potential location.Colombia’s attorney general, Francisco Barbosa, confirmed it is possible the winger’s father Luis Manuel Diaz could be taken to Venezuela.
      Colombian authorities have provided a major update in the search for the dad of Liverpool forward Luis DiazCredit: Rex
      Luis Manuel Diaz has been missing since Saturday after being kidnapped by armed gunmen in ColombiaCredit: AFP
      Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was also taken but was later rescued after being found in the city of Barrancas the same nightCredit: Supplied
      Diaz’s parents were kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in their home town of Barrancas, La Guajira, in the country’s northern region.
      The player’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was later rescued after being found in Barrancas on Saturday, but her husband is yet to be found.
      In a shocking update, Barbosa has now confirmed the potential whereabouts of Diaz’s father.
      He told reporters: “We have information that he could, at some point, be in Venezuela.
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      “If he ends up crossing the border and he’s in Venezuela, we have to ask [Colombia] President Gustavo Petro … to help us with freeing Luis Diaz’s father.”
      The Attorney General added that he had contacted Diaz twice to provide the 26-year-old with updates on the investigation.
      Colombia President Gustavo Petro said “all the public forces have been deployed” to find Diaz’s father.
      The police and military were immediately mobilised as a full scale operation to recover the pair was put in place on Saturday.
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      It comes after earlier reports suggested Diaz’s father was rescued during a police shoot-out that left two of the four kidnappers dead.
      A man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.
      Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
      “They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
      “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
      “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.
      “The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”
      In a statement, the army said it had set up roadblocks and deployed two motorised platoons, unmanned aircraft, helicopters and a plane with radar in the search for his father.
      On Sunday, director of the National Police, General William Rene Salamanca, announced a reward of “up to 200m pesos” (about £40,000) for any information that leads to the rescue of Diaz’s father.
      The Colombia football federation also issued a statement to the captors.
      It read: “We ask the captors of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Luis F. Diaz, to release him immediately, without conditions. Football is peace. Luis, we are with you. Colombia is with you.”
      Diaz was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
      Diogo Jota, who replaced the Colombian in the starting lineup, held up Diaz’s number seven shirt after scoring Liverpool’s first goal.
      Following the game, he said: “Luis was with us in the hotel then he went home. It’s a very hard situation and I don’t know how anyone would react if it happened to you.
      “He was going to play. I played instead of him and I showed him his shirt to show we’re with him and we hope everything works out.
      “It’s unimaginable to think a situation like this could happen. We can just support him and show him we’re with him.”
      Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dedicated the win to Diaz, saying they had won “for our brother”.
      Speaking on the sudden turn of events, Klopp said: “It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night.
      “I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”
      “We heard late last night about it. We spoke to Luis, he wanted to go home.
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      “Then we got the news with his mum, which is fantastic, and since then nothing really.”
      The club said before Sunday’s game that they were “aware of an ongoing situation” involving the family of Diaz, adding the player’s welfare “will continue to be our immediate priority”.
      Portuguese forward Diogo Jota held up Diaz’s shirt after scoring the opening goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on SundayCredit: EPA More

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      Cops still searching for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s dad after terrifying kidnap in Colombia as mum rescued and freed

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      COPS are continuing their search for Luis Diaz’s dad after he and the Liverpool star’s mum were kidnapped in Colombia before she was freed.It comes after earlier reports suggested Luis Manuel Diaz was rescued during a police shootout that left two of his captors dead.
      Luis Diaz’s dad has reportedly been rescued after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia
      Luis Diaz in action for Liverpool in August 2022Credit: Getty
      The Liverpool FC striker’s parents were taken hostage on Saturday near their home in Barrancas, Colombia.
      It comes after his mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was freed from her captors and was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives, with Diaz’s dad still reportedly missing.
      Liverpool FC released a statement today confirming it was aware of the ongoing situation involving Diaz’s parents.
      “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity,” they said.
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      “In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said it was a “worrying situation for all of us”.
      Colombian police have announced that they are prepared to reward anyone who will provide crucial information into the kidnapping of Diaz’s dad with £40,000.
      William Rene Salamanca Ramirez, the director general of Colombia’s National Police force, was today filmed speaking with the 26-year-old winger on his mobile phone from an undisclosed location in La Guajira where he travelled to after the kidnap took place.
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      He told the footballer, referring to him by his nickname of Lucho: “Dear Lucho, you’re talking to William Salamanca the director of Colombia’s National Police.
      “I am here in La Guajira on the orders of Colombia’s President to lead and supervise the operation to rescue your father.
      “Last night we managed to rescue your mother and she is safe and well.
      “We are here and using all the air and land resources available with the support of the Colombian Army”.
      The police chief spoke to the Liverpool player after Colombia’s Ambassador to the UK Roy Barreras described the kidnap of Luis’ parents as “miserable” and said their liberation was being seen as a “national priority.”
      He said in a direct message to the captors after it was confirmed Cilenis had been rescued but Luis Manuel Diaz was still missing amid fears he was already in Venezuela: “Mr kidnappers: In addition to a heinous crime, you have committed a terrible mistake!
      “You have offended the flag of Colombia, the shirt that I am sure you have also worn to shout the goals of the Colombian National Team that unites us all.
      “You still have time. Avoid a greater tragedy. It will turn out badly for you! Correct the error Free Lucho Díaz’s father now.”
      The Colombian army said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “Army troops support the search operation for the parents of soccer player Luis Díaz, who apparently are victims of kidnapping.”
      Diaz has not been included in Liverpool’s squad to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
      Local media in the La Guajira region earlier reported the footballer’s dad had been freed following a shootout with police which resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers.
      The incident is said to have happened near an area called Los Barrancones as the captors headed towards Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
      They reportedly had the intention of smuggling him into the neighbouring country.
      But there has not yet been any official confirmation, however, that Luis Diaz’s dad has been rescued.
      The reports emerged as a man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.
      Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
      “They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
      “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
      “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.
      “The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”
      Responding to claims there was an exchange of gunfire before Cilenis was rescued, Medina said: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to her yet.
      “It’s a difficult situation. She’s back at home with doctors because we know she arrived quite distressed after what has been a trauma for her.
      “We’re just waiting for everything to calm down a bit before we speak with her.”
      He added: “Luis Manuel Diaz is a person who is much loved in Barrancas and there’s never been any talk of threats.
      “He and his family are highly appreciated in this municipality and that is why he always felt calm and safe here.
      “But there is always going to be someone who wants to harm a family, a family which is bringing a lot of glory and a lot of recognition to Barrancas.
      “The general public rejects acts like this targeting a much-loved and respected family in our municipality.”
      Diaz is Colombia’s biggest star and has scored nine goals in 43 appearances for the national side.
      His father previously revealed the Liverpool ace suffered from an illness which caused him to lose a dangerous amount of weight.
      The tricky winger went from “chubby” to extremely skinny which could’ve cost him his life.
      Diaz was born and raised in the heartland of Colombia’s largest indigenous community.
      His football skills impressed scouts, including Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama.
      After scoring seven goals at the 2015 Copa Sudamericana de Pueblos Indigenas, Diaz’s career began to take off.
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      Atletico Junior sent him on loan to Barranquilla, where he was put on a special diet to gain 10kg.
      Diaz crossed the Atlantic to join Porto in 2019, before moving to Liverpool in January 2022.
      The Liverpool ace’s parents were taken near their home while on their way to a relatives houseCredit: Getty More

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      Solly March faces missing rest of SEASON with devastating injury in huge blow to Brighton

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      SOLLY MARCH could be sidelined for the rest of the season following his knee injury at Manchester City.The Brighton winger, who was carried off in last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at the Etihad, has suffered an “important” injury, manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed.
      Solly March’s injury is a big worry for Seagulls’ boss Roberto De ZerbiCredit: Rex
      March will be a long-term crock after being taken off deep in stoppage time at Man City over the weekendCredit: Alamy
      Team-mate Danny Welbeck also hobbled off with a hamstring problem which De Zerbi confirmed was serious.
      Asked if March would play again this season, the Italian said: “I don’t know. It is difficult to fix a time.
      “For sure it is a long period. I don’t know how many months.
      “Solly unfortunately is a very tough injury, very important injury.
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      “We will lose him for a long time and Welbeck is the same, both long term.
      “We love Solly and we will be very close with him to support him every day.
      “But we have to accept it because football is like this. Injuries can happen, it can happen to lose a season. It is football.”
      De Zerbi is already without left-back Pervis Estupinian, Julio Enciso and full-back Tariq Lamptey as Brighton prepare to host Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday night.
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      He added: “I don’t want to cry because sometimes coaches cry when they lose players.
      “We have to move on and work harder to find a different solution.” More