Members of the Colombian Armed Forces pose together with a detained member of kidnapping group, in Bogota, Colombia, June 18, 2020
Keystone / Mauricio Duenas
A Swiss citizen who had been held by Colombian hostage takers for almost three months has been freed, the Swiss authorities have confirmed.
“The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has taken note of this news with relief and thanks the Colombian authorities, in particular the Colombian armed forces, for their support,” said a Swiss statementExternal link.
The Swiss man and a Brazilian citizen were freed by the Colombian army on Thursday, it added.
The two men had been abducted on March 20 this year by a group of dissident members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which officially demobilised more than three years ago, according to the Colombian government. They had been held in the southwestern Cauca province.
“The context of the abduction is currently under investigation. Considering the circumstances, both men are in good health. For reasons of data and personality protection, no further details can be provided,” the Swiss statement said.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss oddities
Mennonite movement turns 500 in Zurich, where it all began
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
This content was published on
The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.
Chihuahua leads Swiss rescue team to owner stuck in a crevasse
This content was published on
A Chihuahua helped to rescue a man on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee VS on Friday. It alerted a rescue team to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse.
Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
This content was published on
According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.
This content was published on
The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.
This content was published on
A 35-year-old man has died in a work accident at the valley station of the Heimwehfluh toboggan run in Matten near Interlaken, canton Bern.
This content was published on
The Swiss embassy in Tehran re-opened on Sunday after being closed on June 20 owing to the unstable situation in the country.
This content was published on
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and her youngest daughter Princess Ariane attended the Netherlands' women's European Championship football match against Wales in Switzerland on Saturday.
Swiss want to better protect military airfields from spying
This content was published on
Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister says he wants to better protect Swiss military airfields against espionage activities.
Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
This content was published on
A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Colombian police free kidnapped Swiss
This content was published on
The 32-year-old, a resident of Colombia since December, was taken from her country house in the north-eastern La Guajira region by armed men on January 9. Her captors had demanded a ransom of $350,000 (SFr364,100). The woman, who had earlier been identified as a Swede in the media, was rescued after a raid on the…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.