Protesters take seventy-nine police officers hostage in Colombia

The violence erupted in the San Vicente del Caguan municipality, where members of rural and Indigenous communities blockaded the compound of the oil exploration company Emerald Energy.

According to local sources, a civilian was also killed and nine oilfield workers were captured alongside the police officers.

“I insist, the unilateral release of the police and the protection of their integrity is essential for the government,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Twitter.

Petro also asked for medical help from the Red Cross. (ILKHA)